Patent Reform: First to File

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved an amended form of S.515.  One of the biggest changes to the patent system is the “first to file” system which would replace the current “first to invent” system.  This will encourage patent applicants to file earlier to establish an earlier filing date instead of relying upon their date of invention for priority because patent applicants will no longer be able to “swear behind” another patent reference.  S 515 as Amended