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Novelty and inventive step (non-obviousness) are the two most-litigated patentability requirements. This article explains their legal definitions under Japanese, US, and European law, and how they are argued in examination, opposition, and invalidity proceedings.

Patents, trademarks, copyrights, and design rights each protect different aspects of innovation. Using the smartphone as a case study, this guide explains what each right covers, how long it lasts, and how all four can apply to a single product.