Obama Signs First Major Patent Law Change in a Generation
Perhaps the most controversial change in the America Invents Act is the shift from a first-to-invent system to a first-to-file system. First-to-file patent systems are in use in all countries except for the United States, and grant the right of patent to the first person or persons to file for a particular invention, regardless of the date of invention. The American first-to-invent system is unique in that it grants that right to the person who first conceptualizes an invention, even if another party files a patent on the same invention beforehand. The first-to-file system will not go into effect until March 16, 2013.
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Kyle A. Richardson is the editorial director of Promo Marketing. He joined the company in 2006 brings more than a decade of publishing, marketing and media experience to the magazine. If you see him, buy him a drink.