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Simple English definitions for legal terms
statement of prior-art references
Read a random definition: prior consistent statement
A quick definition of statement of prior-art references:
A statement of prior-art references is a document that an inventor submits during the patent-application process. The purpose of this document is to reveal all relevant prior art that the inventor is aware of during the patentability search. This includes all known patents, publications, and other references of prior art. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides a form called "Information Disclosure Citation" for this purpose. The abbreviation for this document is IDS. The statement of prior-art references is important because it helps the patent examiner determine whether the invention is novel and non-obvious.
A more thorough explanation:
A statement of prior-art references is a document submitted during the patent-application process. It is used to reveal all relevant prior art during the patentability search. The statement must disclose all known patents, publications, and other references of prior art. This is done to ensure that the invention is truly novel and non-obvious.
For example, if someone invents a new type of phone case, they would need to submit a statement of prior-art references. This would include any existing phone cases that are similar to their invention. By doing this, they are showing that their invention is truly unique and not just a copy of something that already exists.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides a form called "Information Disclosure Citation" for this purpose. This form helps inventors to list all the relevant prior art references in a clear and organized way.
Overall, a statement of prior-art references is an important part of the patent-application process. It helps to ensure that only truly novel and non-obvious inventions are granted patents.