Legal Definitions - award in interference

An award in interference is a final decision made by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that determines which party in an interference contest is the first inventor. This decision is also known as a priority award.

For example, if two inventors file for a patent on the same invention, an interference contest may arise. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will then determine which inventor was the first to invent the invention and award them the patent.

This award is important because it determines who has the legal right to the patent and can prevent others from using or selling the invention without permission.