The word 'novelty' is used in everyday speech in various
contexts, therefore it can be understood in many different ways,
depending on the circumstances. In industrial property law, the
word 'novelty' is of key significance in the course of
seeking protection for innovative solutions.
Features of an invention, utility models, industrial designs,
and, to a certain extent, topographies of integrated circuits must
be novel in order to enjoy protection under intellectual and
industrial property law.
State of the art
The concept of novelty in industrial property law is inseparable
from the concept of the state of the art (also known as prior art).
Contrary to the word 'new,' which is frequently used in
everyday speech, the phrase 'state of the art' seems
slightly puzzling. In English, the phrase 'state of the
art' is also used as an adjective meaning 'the most
modern.' This use of the phrase is very accurate as the
invention to which the application pertains should
