AIA (America Invents Act)

The America Invents Act (AIA), enacted in 2011, is a major reform of U.S. patent law aimed at modernizing the patent system. It shifted the U.S. from a “first-to-invent” to a “first-to-file” system, meaning patents now go to the first person to file a patent application for an invention. The AIA also introduced new procedures for challenging patents before issuance, such as Post-Grant Review, to improve patent quality and reduce abusively broad or invalid patents. Overall, the AIA seeks to streamline patent processes, encourage innovation, and better align U.S. patent law with global standards.