What is considered prior art for international patent applications?

According to MPEP 1878.01(a), prior art for international patent applications is defined in PCT Rule 64.1(a) as:

“everything made available to the public anywhere in the world by means of written disclosure (including drawings and other illustrations) … provided that such making available occurred prior to the relevant date.”

The ‘relevant date’ is generally the international filing date, but can be the priority date if certain conditions are met.

To learn more:

• prior art
• international patent application
• PCT
• relevant date