FIRST-TO-FILE SYSTEM

first-to-file system.Patents. The practice of granting priority to the first person to file a patent

application. • Most of the world uses a first-to-file patent system; the only major exception is the

United States, which grants priority to the first inventor. Cf. FIRST-TO-INVENT SYSTEM.

[Cases: Patents 90(1). C.J.S. Patents §§ 120–122.][Blacks Law 8th]