What is a requisite condition for prior art to count against a patent application?

For prior art to effectively count against a patent application, it must contain an enabling disclosure. This means that the prior art must provide sufficient information for a person skilled in the relevant field to replicate the invention without undue experimentation. The requirement for an enabling disclosure ensures that the prior art not only describes the invention but also provides the necessary technical details that facilitate understanding and implementation.

A written description alone may not suffice if it does not meet the enabling standard. Similarly, while a visual representation can illustrate features of an invention, it does not necessarily include the detailed information needed for replication. Therefore, both a written description and an enabling disclosure are essential components that define prior art's effectiveness, as they together embody the full spectrum of what must be conveyed to preclude patentability. Thus, the correct answer encompasses the need for both aspects to be met for prior art to be deemed relevant against a patent application effectively.