What is required for the first buyer to claim ownership when two buyers purchase the same invention?

For the first buyer to establish ownership over the invention when two buyers make a purchase, it is essential to understand the importance of recording assignments. The correct requirement is that the first buyer must record the assignment within three months. This time frame is tied to the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) rules regarding the priority of ownership.

If the first buyer records the assignment timely—within three months of the assignment occurring—that buyer can maintain their claim to ownership over the invention, even in the event that a second buyer also acquires rights to the same invention. Recording an assignment serves as public notice of ownership and secures the first buyer's rights against any claims from subsequent purchasers.

The three-month recording window is critical in the patent system, as it helps clarify ownership disputes and protects the rights of the first buyer by establishing a clear, recorded chain of title.