The most fundamental change implemented by the America Invents Act enacted earlier this year is the transition from a “first to invent” system for awarding patents to a “first inventor to file” system. This change, effective 18 months after enactment, awards priority to the first inventor to file a patent application and eliminates the ability of a patentee to antedate prior art references by establishing an earlier invention date. The new system therefore creates an incentive to file patent applications as quickly as possible. Register online here.