Priority date

A priority date is a concept in IP law whereby the first to take a particular action is entitled to a right that excludes others who may have innovated later. For example, in most countries, if two people apply independently for a patent on the same invention, the earlier application has priority and so can prevent the second succeeding. Also public disclosures made before the priority date are relevant for determining whether an invention is new and inventive for patents and new and distinctive designs.