A term to mean inventions that are prior to the time of a patent application. The Patent and Trademark Office use prior art to decide whether an invention is sufficiently original and nonobvious to qualify for patent protection. … [Read more...]
PRINCEPS
Lat. In the civil law. The prince; the emperor. Princeps et respublica ex just a causa possunt rem meaxa auferre. 12 Coke, 13. The prince and the republic, for a just cause, can take away my property. Princeps legibus solutus est. The emperor is released from the laws; is not bound by the laws. Dig. 1, 3, 31. Princeps mavult domesticos milites qnam stipendiaries bellicis … [Read more...]
PRIOR LIEN
A lien that is filed earlier or superior to other liens. … [Read more...]
PRINCES OF THE ROYAL BLOOD
In English law. The younger sons and daughters of the sovereign, and other branches of the royal family who are not in the immediate line of succession. … [Read more...]
PRIOR RESTRAINT
Action by government to restrain a broadcast or written publication, which is a violation of the First Amendment except under unusual circumstances, such as the need to prevent a clear and present danger. … [Read more...]