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Most countries employ a “first-to-file” system. Under (2011) United States law, a patent is granted based on who is first to invent. Factors such as conception and reduction to practice dates prior to an application filing may determine to whom a patent is granted. There is a bill pending in both U.S. legislatures to change this rule so that the “first inventor to file” would be granted a patent regardless as to who first invented.



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