What is the significance of the “printed publication” bar in patent law?
The “printed publication” bar is a crucial concept in patent law, particularly in determining the novelty of an invention. According to MPEP 2128.01, a reference is considered a “printed publication” if it is accessible to the public. The MPEP states:
“A reference is considered publicly accessible if it has been disseminated or otherwise made available to the extent that persons interested and ordinarily skilled in the subject matter or art, exercising reasonable diligence, can locate it.”
This bar is significant because it can prevent an invention from being patented if it has been described in a printed publication before the effective filing date of the patent application. It ensures that patents are only granted for truly novel inventions.
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