first-to-file principle

The first-to-file principle is a legal rule in intellectual property, particularly concerning patents. It means that the first person to submit a patent application for an invention has the right to obtain the patent, rather than the first person to invent it. This encourages early filing and helps establish clear ownership of ideas, as patent rights are granted based on the filing date. In essence, it supports innovation by promoting prompt documentation of inventions, ensuring that creators can protect their ideas effectively.