Utility
The invention must serve a practical purpose. It is
relatively easy for scientific methods and compositions to meet
this standard.
Novelty
The invention must be demonstrably different from publicly
available ideas, inventions, or products (so-called "prior
art"). This does not mean that every feature or component
of an invention must be novel. For example, improvements on known
compositions or methods often are patentable, as may be new uses
of known processes, machines and materials.
Non-obviousness
The invention cannot be obvious to a person of
"ordinary skill" in the field; non-obviousness may be
indicated by
surprising or unexpected results, success where others have failed
or
fulfillment of a long-felt need for such an invention.
