The U.S. patent system underwent an historic change this weekend. No longer is it the “first to invent” who has the right to a patent. Now the “first to file” a patent application will be awarded a U.S. patent. The change is part of the America Invents Act and went into effect March 16, 2013.
Much of the rest of the world, including the European Union and Canada, has already been following a first-to-file rule. The United States was an outlier in requiring proof of being the first to invent. Critics long complained that America’s former system led to lengthy delays in reviewing patents, and to costly litigation that smaller businesses, especially, could not afford to fight. In the past you were required to prove that you first invented the invention.
To read the full, original article click on this link: U.S. Patent System Switches to "First to File"
