Patent applications: the three criteria Novelty. This means that your invention must not have been made public – not even by yourself – before the date of the application. Inventive step. This means that your product or process must be an inventive solution. Industrial applicability.
On December 22, 1891, a patent was granted for Toilet-paper roll. This 124-year-old patent solves the 'over versus under' toilet paper roll debate.