What is a key requirement for all patent applications regarding prior art?

In patent applications, a key requirement is to disclose all known relevant prior art. This is crucial because the patent examination process relies on an understanding of what has already been publicly disclosed in the field. By requiring the disclosure of prior art, the patent office can assess whether the invention is truly novel and non-obvious compared to existing inventions. This disclosure helps ensure that the patent system operates fairly, providing protection only for inventions that demonstrate sufficient innovation over what is already available, thereby promoting progress in technology and science.

The responsibility of disclosing prior art lies with the applicant, as it is essential for establishing the context in which the invention is situated. Without this information, it would be difficult to determine if patentability criteria such as novelty and non-obviousness have been met. Therefore, the requirement to disclose all known relevant prior art is foundational to the integrity of the patent review process.