Which section specifies conditions that prevent an applicant from patentability due to prior art?

The correct answer highlights the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 102(e), which is crucial in determining the patentability of an invention due to prior art. This section addresses situations where an invention is not considered new if it has been previously disclosed or is already known in the field before the applicant's filing date. Specifically, § 102(e) pertains to previous patents or applications, made by others, that were filed in the United States or that effectively disclose the same invention, rendering the new application unpatentable based on the earlier date.

This concept of prior art is foundational to the patent examination process, as it ensures that only novel inventions can be granted patent protection. It forms part of the criteria for assessing whether an invention meets the requirements of novelty and non-obviousness.

Other sections mentioned do provide important details relevant to patentability but focus on different aspects. For instance, 35 U.S.C. § 102(d) pertains to a situation where an applicant may be denied a patent if they have previously filed an application for the same invention in another country and that application has been published, thereby limiting patentability based on foreign filings. Section 35 U.S.C. § 112(a) covers the requirement for a