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.
From the Middle Miocene Period 15.9 million years ago to the Late Pliocene Period 2.6 million years ago, the ancient seas were terrorized by this beast. It is estimated that Megalodon could have easily reached 60 feet in length and weighed over 52 tons. Some researchers have stated lengths could have attained up to 80 feet! Fossil teeth have been found that exceed 7 inches in length.