First-to-invent versus first-to-file: impact of the AIA.

On March 16, 2013, the USPTO switched from a 'first-to-invent' to a 'first-to-file' patent system. Under the 2011 America Invents Act, patents will be awarded to the first inventor to file a patent application as opposed to the date of invention. Now, over a year since the main provisions of the America Invents Act (AIA) came into effect, Pharmaceutical Patent Analyst has invited a selection of IP specialists and researchers from the US to discuss the implications of this new law and how it will affect future pharmaceutical and medical R&D.