What is one of the criteria for a patent to be granted?

A patent is granted based on specific criteria that ensure the invention contributes something unique and valuable to society. The requirement that an invention must be novel, useful, and nonobvious is central to patent law.

Novelty means that the invention must be new and not known to the public before the patent application is filed. This prevents someone from patenting an existing idea or technology. The invention must also be useful, meaning it must have some practical application or utility. Finally, the nonobviousness criterion indicates that the invention should not be an obvious improvement or variation of an existing invention to someone skilled in the relevant field.

Together, these criteria ensure that patents are only awarded for inventions that truly advance the state of technology and provide new solutions, while also encouraging innovation by protecting inventors' rights.