Which characteristic is NOT required for an invention to be patentable?

Which characteristic is NOT required for an invention to be patentable?

• A. Novelty
• B. Affordable
• C. Of practical use
• D. Inventive step

Answer: (B)

Patentability hinges on novelty, usefulness (industrial applicability), and an inventive step (non-obviousness). An invention must be new compared to prior art, capable of being made or used in industry, and involve something not obvious to a skilled practitioner. It does not have to be affordable; price or production cost isn’t part of the patentability test. So, even a patentable invention can be expensive to produce or license, as long as it meets novelty, usefulness, and non-obviousness and can be made or used.

Patentability hinges on novelty, usefulness (industrial applicability), and an inventive step (non-obviousness). An invention must be new compared to prior art, capable of being made or used in industry, and involve something not obvious to a skilled practitioner. It does not have to be affordable; price or production cost isn’t part of the patentability test. So, even a patentable invention can be expensive to produce or license, as long as it meets novelty, usefulness, and non-obviousness and can be made or used.