Which of the following is required to secure a patent through the USPTO?

To secure a patent through the USPTO, it is essential that the invention meets the criteria of being novel, non-obvious, and useful. These three elements are fundamental requirements outlined in U.S. patent law.

Novelty means that the invention must be new and not previously disclosed or known to the public before the application filing date. If the invention has already been made public, it cannot be patented.

Non-obviousness requires that the invention must not be an obvious improvement or variation of an existing product or process to someone with ordinary skill in the relevant field. This criterion ensures that patents are granted only for significant advancements rather than trivial or routine changes.

Usefulness means that the invention must have some practical application, be functional, and provide a tangible benefit. This element ensures that patents are granted for inventions that contribute positively to society or industry.

By fulfilling these requirements, an applicant can successfully secure a patent that provides exclusive rights to their invention, preventing others from using, making, selling, or distributing it without permission. The other choices do not satisfy the essential requirements for patentability, highlighting the importance of these three key criteria in the patent process.