Alfred invented and patented what we know as "bubble wrap." The claims in his U.S. patent describe the invention as "a pliable plastic material with regularly spaced, protruding air-filled circular hemispheres used for securing fragile items during transport."

(1) What requirements did Alfred's invention have to meet in order to secure a patent?

(2) Now assume Alfred consults you to see if he has a claim against that Ella, a former employee who moved to Mexico, where she makes his exact bubble wrap and sells it to the Mexican market. Can Alfred sue Ella? On what basis?