Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-102
§2185 Prior Art
Title 42 › CHAPTER 23 — DEVELOPMENT AND CONTROL OF ATOMIC ENERGY › SUBCHAPTER XII — PATENTS AND INVENTIONS › § 2185
Summary
No patent can be granted here if the invention was already known or used, even if that knowledge was secret inside the U.S. atomic energy program.
Full Legal Text
Title 42, §2185
The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
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.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Transfer of Functions
Atomic Energy Commission abolished and functions transferred by section 5814 and 5841 of this title. See, also, notes set out under those sections.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
42 U.S.C. § 2185
Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102