What is “first to file” principle in patent?

The “first-to-file” principle grants patent rights to the individual or entity that first submits a patent application for an invention, regardless of when the invention was actually created. This approach emphasizes the importance of filing dates over the actual date of invention. It eliminates potential disputes over who invented the idea first, simplifying the process of determining ownership and priority. However, this system also places a significant responsibility on inventors and businesses to act quickly in securing intellectual property rights to avoid losing the opportunity to competitors.