Another invalid area is that of Monsanto who have bought up many seed companies, then proceeded to patent the seeds as their own. There is a rule that ideas and

Another invalid area is that of Monsanto who have bought up many seed companies, then proceeded to patent the seeds as their own. There is a rule that ideas and patentable concepts must not be public knowledge, or known about by others, prior to being patented. That's why you have to ensure no one knows about your idea, before you patent it, those that do should be under a ND.