1. A combination of known elements or functions that create a result greater than the sum of the individual elements or functions. • Demonstrating that synergism exists is sometimes useful in proving nonobviousness. The U.S. Supreme Court held that synergism was a requirement for a combination patent in Great Atl. & Pac. Tea Co. v. Supermarket Equip. Corp., 340 U.S. 147, 71 S.Ct. 127 (1950). But that holding was overturned by the Patent Act of 1952. 35 USCA § 103. [Cases: Patents 26(1.5). C.J.S. Patents §§ 83–84.]
2. A patentable device that produces a new or different function or an unusual or surprising consequence. — Also termed synergy; synergistic result. — synergistic (sin-[schwa]r-jis-tik), synergetic (sin-[schwa]r-jet-ik), adj.
