prior art databases

Prior art databases are collections of previous inventions, patents, research papers, and technical documents that document existing knowledge and innovations. They are used by inventors, companies, and patent offices to check if an idea or invention has already been created or publicly disclosed. By reviewing this information, they can determine the novelty and patentability of an invention, helping to avoid infringement and foster innovation. These databases serve as essential tools for assessing the originality of new ideas and ensuring intellectual property rights are properly managed.