Prima facie means before closer inspection, at first sight, or on the face of it. True, valid, authentic, or adequate at first sight: on first appearance absent other information or evidence. Self-evident; evident without proof or reasoning; obvious. Sufficient to establish a fact or case unless disproved.

The plaintiff presented a prima facie case for breach of copyright and when the matter proceeded to trial the plaintiff successfully proved his allegations.

prima facie case: a lawsuit or criminal charge which, on its face, appears to be sufficient and supported by the requisite minimum of evidence, “open and shut.”

prima facie evidence: evidence that is sufficient to prove a factual matter at issue and justify a favorable judgment on that issue unless rebutted.