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.]