What makes something "non-obvious" in the context of obtaining a utility patent?

In the context of obtaining a utility patent, the term "non-obvious" refers to the invention's ability to not be easily deduced by someone skilled in the relevant field. This means that even if the components or elements of the invention are known, the way they are combined or the resulting effect must provide an innovation that is not straightforward or would not be obvious to a person with relevant expertise at the time the patent application is filed.

This standard is crucial because it helps ensure that patents are granted only for inventions that provide a genuine advancement in technology or processes. The "non-obvious" criterion prevents the patenting of ideas that are merely variations on existing inventions or obvious extensions that anyone knowledgeable in the field would be able to conceive without significant effort. Consequently, the assessment of what is considered non-obvious is a key aspect of the patent examination process.

Other options provided do not accurately capture the essence of the non-obviousness requirement. Being a new trend, having never been seen before, or being internationally recognized does not inherently determine whether an invention is considered non-obvious. Instead, the focus is primarily on the originality and ingenuity of the solution in relation to the existing knowledge within the field.