In order to be patentable, the subject matter must be novel; however there are some exceptions to this requirement, such as invention, improvement or industrial model or design which, being patented abroad, has not been divulged, patented nor put into execution in Venezuela – in other words, they are not in the public domain. Inventive step is required for inventions. An invention shall be regarded as having an inventive step if it is not obvious to a person in the trade with an average skill. In addition, the invention shall be deemed as being industrially applicable when its subject matter can be produced or used in a certain type of industry.