What is the primary purpose of the TSM test?

The primary purpose of the TSM (Teaching, Suggestion, or Motivation) test is to evaluate whether an invention is obvious based on prior art. This test is applied during the examination of patent applications to determine if the claimed invention would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the relevant field at the time the invention was made.

The TSM test focuses on whether there is some teaching, suggestion, or motivation in the prior art that would lead a skilled artisan to arrive at the claimed invention. If the prior art provides such guidance, the invention may be deemed obvious, which can affect the allowance of the patent application. This is crucial, as one of the foundational requirements for patentability is that an invention must not only be novel (different from what has come before) but also non-obvious.

Understanding the TSM test is vital for patent examiners and inventors alike, as it helps navigate the complexities of patent law regarding originality and innovation.