FIRST-TO-INVENT SYSTEM
first-to-invent system.Patents. The practice of awarding a patent to the first person to create
an invention, rather than the first to file a patent application. • Because the first inventor is not
necessarily the first person to file for a patent, an interference hearing is held to decide who is
entitled to the patent. This system is used only in the United States. See CONCEPTION OF
INVENTION; priority of invention under PRIORITY. Cf. FIRST-TO-FILE SYSTEM M. [Cases:
Patents 90(1). C.J.S. Patents §§ 120–122.][Blacks Law 8th]