What must an item be to be patentable?

For an item to be patentable, it must meet the criteria of being useful, novel, and non-obvious. This is the fundamental standard established by patent law:

• Useful: The item must have a practical application or utility. It should serve a purpose or have some identifiable benefit to society.

• Novel: The invention must be new. It cannot have been previously known, used, or published. This requirement ensures that patents are granted only for inventions that contribute something new to the field.

• Not Obvious: The invention must not be an obvious improvement or variation of existing inventions to someone skilled in the relevant field. This ensures that patents are granted for true innovations rather than minor changes or tweaks to existing ideas.

The other options do not accurately capture the essential criteria for patentability. While commercial viability can be a consideration in business strategy, it is not a requirement for patentability. Similarly, being accessible and free to use or merely being reasonable and well-documented does not align with the legal standards established for obtaining a patent. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the critical elements necessary for an invention to be granted a patent.