History of Patent Law

Patent Act of 1952

Congress enacted the most recent version of U.S. patent law in the Patent Act of 1952

In 2011, the America Invents Act (AIA) introduced significant changes to U.S. patent law.

most recent amendment
Before March 2013
- followed a first to invent rule
- first person to invent something and show that it works could patent it
- been in effect for more than 200 years
After March 2013
- adopted a first to file system
- first person to file for a patent has priority over all other people who have a similar idea
change in the filing rules is meant to encourage:
- inventors to patent their ideas sooner
- innovation
- aligns the United States with other countries
  - most of which follow “first to file” rules