Earliest
/ˈɜːrliɪst/
Definitions
- (adj.) Denoting the first or soonest in time, often relating to dates or events relevant to legal rights or claims.
The earliest filing date determines the priority of the patent application.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Used frequently in legal contexts to establish precedence or temporal priority among competing claims or events.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.