*2.1.1 Novelty*

Novelty defines that the product or process to be new and unknown to public before the filing of the patent application. This criterion prevents the prior art from being patented again. Prior art includes already existing patent applications, granted patents or non-patent literature like journals, research papers, books which disclose the use of technology that is similar to your invention. If your invention is publicly disclosed in technical conferences/seminars or exhibitions, or publicly demonstrated and used before filing the patent, then such invention is not considered as novel. Few countries like U.S.A, India provide a grace period of 12 months from such date of public disclosure to file a patent for such invention.
