Obviousness is a critical element to patentability. In essence, even if the applicant can demonstrate patentable subject matter, utility and novelty, the patent will not issue if the invention is trivial.
While the earliest C. megalodon remains were reported from late Oligocene strata, around 28 million years old, a more reliable date for the origin of the species is the early Miocene, about 23 million years ago.
The supersized shark first appeared about 17 million years ago. It could be found in oceans all over the world. Other sea animals were likely terrified of it, and not just because of its size. Megalodonâs huge jaws were lined with about 276 serrated teeth.