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Simple English definitions for legal terms
old combination
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A quick definition of old combination:
An old combination is when two or more things come together to make something new, but it's not really new because it's been done before. It can be used in inventions or when people or companies work together to achieve a goal. Sometimes, the new thing made from the old combination can be patented, but it has to be really different and surprising. If it's not different enough, it's called an exhausted combination and can't be patented.
A more thorough explanation:
An old combination refers to a combination of elements or substances in an invention that have been previously used or patented. It can also refer to an alliance of individuals or corporations working together to achieve a common goal.
For example, if an inventor combines two previously patented inventions to create a new product, it would be considered an old combination. Another example would be if two companies merge to form a new corporation, it would be an old combination of their resources and expertise.
The term "old combination" is important in patent law because it may not be eligible for patent protection. If an element in the combination works in a different way but performs the same function as the corresponding element in a previously patented combination, it is called an exhausted combination. The new element may be patentable, but the combination may not be.