Firstly IANAL, but my understanding is this relates to the ability to file for ownership of an invention rather than the existance of prior art for Novelty. A

Firstly IANAL, but my understanding is this relates to the ability to file for ownership of an invention rather than the existance of prior art for Novelty. A cursory examination of background shows that the act which standardizes the method of filing also expands the validity and scope of available prior art: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leahy-Smith_America_Invents_Act http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leahy-Smith_America_Invents_Act I also want to correct a misconception on the site, in most jurisdictions public disclosure invalidates patentability, one should check with a lawyer, review existing laws (at their own risk tolerance) or file a provisional before any public disclosure.