The USPTO sometimes classifies inventions under a provision to keep it secret in the interest of national security. With that in mind, what happens if one invents (or re- invents) something that is already under one of these classifications? Will it show up in a patent search or is it possible to waste money trying to patent something only to have it rejected afterward because the search prevented exposure of such a pre-existent invention?

Posted by mancalledlarry at 2024-05-31 14:23:58 UTC