Prior art

In connection with applications for patents covered by this subchapter, the fact that the invention or discovery was known or used before shall be a bar to the patenting of such invention or discovery even though such prior knowledge or use was under secrecy within the atomic energy program of the United States. (Source: (Aug. 1, 1946, ch. 724, title I, § 155, as added Aug. 30, 1954, ch. 1073, § 1, 68 Stat. 947; renumbered title I, Pub. L. 102–486, title IX, § 902(a)(8), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2944.))