In other words, the first inventor to file an application for an invention gets the patent, not the first person to invent something.

FORBES: Are We Greeks or Romans? New Patent Law Means Challenges for U.S. Innovators

Making the first inventor to file an application the owner.

FORBES: Patent Reform 2013 -- The "America Invents Act" -- Much Ado

Under first-to-file, an inventor who does not take prompt action to protect his or her invention faces a higher risk that a later inventor will end up holding the associated U.S. patent rights.

FORBES: March 16, 2013: The United States Transitions To A 'First-Inventor-To-File' Patent System