An independent technology consultant develops a robot that will deliver coffee to employees in the office. The consultant patents his development and submits it to several scientific laboratories for review and adoption. The consultant receives formal rejection letters from all of the companies. Ten years later, he discovers a technology firm is advertising the same robotic invention. What is true regarding the legality of the technology firm promoting the robot?
A. The technology firm may promote the robot due to the statute of limitations.
B. Because the technology firm created the device independently, they can legally advertise the robot.
C. The technology firm can face legal action for promoting the patented robot.
D. Since the technology firm had no prior knowledge of the consultant's patent, they may legally promote the robot.