What is the exception to rejections under 102(e), 102(f), and 102(g)?

The correct understanding of the exception to rejections under 102(e), 102(f), and 102(g) lies in recognizing that these sections of U.S. patent law primarily address issues of prior art and inventorship. Specifically, 102(e) pertains to disclosures in pending applications and patents, while 102(f) deals with unauthorized derivation of an invention, and 102(g) concerns prior invention by others.

When different inventors work for the same company, it is important to consider the concept of "joint inventorship." An application may not be rejected under these sections if it can be demonstrated that the inventors involved were all part of a collaborative effort. In such cases, the claims may remain valid even if they were not independently developed or were derived from a common source within the same entity. This collaboration signifies that the inventive contributions are recognized as part of a coherent group effort, which is a critical factor in determining valid claims and potential exceptions.

Understanding this allows for a clearer perspective on why this scenario provides an exception as opposed to the other choices. For instance, the invention disclosed to the public can lead to a rejection because making an invention public can establish prior art. Prior use privileges offer specific defenses but do not negate the initial