patentable

Patentable refers to whether an invention or discovery is eligible for patent protection under applicable law. In most jurisdictions, an invention must meet several core requirements to be patentable: it must be novel (not anticipated by prior art), non-obvious (involving an inventive step to a person skilled in the relevant field), and useful or have industrial applicability. It must also fall within the jurisdiction’s eligible subject matter, meaning certain things such as natural phenomena, laws of nature, and abstract ideas are excluded as such.

In addition to these criteria, patent applicants must provide a sufficient written description and enablement in the patent document, so a skilled practitioner can reproduce the invention. Some systems historically required best mode disclosure, though practices vary by jurisdiction and over time. In practice, the assessment of patentability is conducted by a patent office through examination and often a search of existing technologies (prior art).

There are important jurisdictional differences. For example, some regions may exclude certain categories (such as abstract ideas or purely mathematical methods), while others allow computer-implemented inventions or software-based solutions if they contribute a technical character or technical effect. Similarly, business methods may be patentable in some systems if they meet the standard of utility and technical contribution.

If granted, a patent usually provides exclusive rights for a limited period (commonly about 20 years from filing), in exchange for public disclosure of the invention. Determining patentability involves legal, technical, and strategic considerations specific to the jurisdiction.