Patent Search at Legal Glossary

What is it? A search for documents that will determine whether a particular invention was novel and nonobvious when it was invented, and hence whether it may qualify for a patent. A patent search usually begins with a database of previously issued patents, and also covers other types of documents, such as journal articles and scientific papers, that describe unpatented inventions.

Law Definition Added By: Bryce

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Law Terms abatement is A reduction. After a death, abatement occurs if the deceased person didnt leave enough property to fulfill all the bequests made in the will and meet other expenses. Gifts left in the will are cut back in order to pay taxes, satisfy debts or take care of other gifts that are given priority under law or by the will itself.

Law Terms probate is The court process following a persons death that includes proving the authenticity of the deceased persons will appointing someone to handle the deceased persons affairs identifying and inventorying the deceased persons property paying debts and taxes identifying heirs, and distributing the deceased persons property according to the will or, if there is no will, according to state law. Formal court-supervised probate is a costly, time-consuming process -- a windfall for lawyers -- which is best avoided if possible.

Law Terms ultra vires is Latin for beyond powers. It refers to conduct by a corporation or its officers that exceeds the powers granted by law.

Law Terms irreconcilable differences is Differences between spouses that are considered sufficiently severe to make married life together more or less impossible. In a number of states, irreconcilable differences is the accepted ground for a no-fault divorce. As a practical matter, courts seldom, if ever, inquire into what the differences actually are, and routinely grant a divorce as long as the party seeking the divorce says the couple has irreconcilable differences. Compare incompatibility; irremediable breakdown.

Law Terms nuisance is Something that interferes with the use of property by being irritating, offensive, obstructive or dangerous. Nuisances include a wide range of conditions, everything from a chemical plants noxious odors to a neighbors dog barking. The former would be a public nuisance, one affecting many people, while the other would be a private nuisance, limited to making your life difficult, unless the dog was bothering others. Lawsuits may be brought to abate (remove or reduce) a nuisance. See quiet enjoyment, attractive nuisance.