What does novelty refer to in the context of patents?

In the context of patents, novelty specifically refers to the requirement that an invention must be new and different from prior art. Prior art encompasses all information that has been made available to the public before the filing date of a patent application. For an invention to be considered novel, it must not be something that has already been disclosed in any previous patents, publications, or public demonstrations. If an invention is deemed novel, it may qualify for patent protection, as it adds to the existing body of knowledge in a meaningful way. This concept is essential in patent law, as it ensures that patents are granted only for truly innovative ideas that have not been previously known or used. The emphasis on newness applies not only to the technology itself but also to the specific methodologies and applications that distinguish it from prior works.