There is some confusion about this term. My advice is:
don't use this term!
Meaning 1:
To an estimated 99% of native English speakers, a "state-of-the-art technology" means a new, cool technology. It used to be a very common term in advertising.
In this situation, use "cutting-edge technology" instead.
Meaning 2:
To patent lawyers, and ONLY IN THE CONTEXT OF PATENT LAW, a "state-of-the-art technology" means a technology that is in wide use and is not patentable because it is not novel.
In this situation, use "standard technology", "current technology", "commonly used technology" or "widely used technology".
Here's some background information.
Origin of the confusion:
In German, "Stand der Technik" means standard, widely used technology, like in the English patent law sense. You will see "state of the art" misused to mean this by native German speakers on a regular basis. But it is still wrong. Outside of German-speaking countries and patent law, this term means "cutting edge". So just avoid it.
