Non-patent literature

Non-patent literature refers to any written material that is not a patent document. This includes scientific articles, books, research papers, technical manuals, conference proceedings, and other published work. Such literature provides background information, scientific data, or industry knowledge that can support or challenge patent applications. It is important in legal and technical evaluations to determine if an invention is new or has been previously disclosed, helping to assess its originality and patentability. Unlike patents, non-patent literature is generally publicly available and covers a wide range of informational sources relevant to an invention or technology.