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.]
