Legal Definitions - filing date

Definition: The date when a document is delivered to the appropriate authority, such as a patent application or trademark application.

• Patent Filing Date: The date when a patent application is filed. This date is important because it closes the door on prior art, sets the priority date for public use, disclosure, or sale, and establishes the date of constructivereduction to practice.
• Trademark Filing Date: The date when a trademark application is filed. This date is important because it establishes the priority of the trademark and determines who has the right to use it.

These examples illustrate how the filing date is the starting point for important legal processes, such as obtaining a patent or trademark. It is crucial to file documents in a timely manner to ensure that the filing date is as early as possible, which can provide advantages in legal proceedings.