What does the term 'abandonment' refer to under 102(g)?

The term 'abandonment' under 102(g) refers specifically to the failure to diligently pursue the invention, which aligns with your selection. In the context of U.S. patent law, abandonment generally signifies a situation where an inventor or applicant does not take reasonable steps to bring their invention to fruition or does not continue working on it with the necessary effort. This concept is significant in determining the priority of inventions and can affect the patentability and rights of inventors.

The other options relate to different aspects of patent maintenance and application processes but do not align with the specific legal context of 'abandonment' as defined under section 102(g). For instance, maintaining an existing patent or non-payment of maintenance fees pertains to the maintenance of granted patents rather than the pursuit of an invention itself. Withdrawal of a patent application deals with the voluntary act of retracting an application but does not address the diligency or activity level concerning the development of the invention after filing. Hence, the focus on diligence in pursuing an invention accurately captures the essence of abandonment under this section.