It seems to be true in the US.<p>"If the invention has been described in a printed publication anywhere, or has been in public use or on sale in this country more than one year before the date on which an application for patent is filed in this country, a patent cannot be obtained."<p><a href="http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#novelty" rel="nofollow">http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#...</a>