How does the USPTO handle prior art rejections when the reference names a different inventive entity with at least one common inventor?

When the USPTO handles prior art rejections where the reference names a different inventive entity with at least one common inventor, the following process is typically followed: The examiner will treat the reference as prior art under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e), (f), or (g). The applicant can overcome this rejection by filing an affidavit or…

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