What constitutes 'prior disclosure'?

Prior disclosure can differ between jurisdictions. However, it typically refers to public disclosure of your invention including published documents, non-confidential discussions, conference presentations and public use of your invention. Again, the level of disclosure may differ from jurisdictions but typically, a non-confidential disclosure which allows a person to understand what your invention does and how your invention does it, would constitute prior disclosure. Accordingly, discussions with other people, including family and friends, for example, troubleshooting and improving your invention are likely to fall within the scope of prior disclosure, unless an arrangement is put in place, for example, using a non-disclosure agreement to ensure that these discussions remain confidential.