1. Under the upcoming first-to-file patent system, the best way to secure the earliest possible filing date is to quickly file a provisional patent application as soon as possible after conception of an invention. There are several strategies discussed for implementing provisional applications, including filing multiple provisionals over time to strengthen the application or extend the deadline for filing a non-provisional application. 2. It will be important to strike a balance between very early filings and higher quality applications that fully meet patentability requirements. One suggested strategy is to carefully incorporate other patents and publications by reference into provisional applications. 3. Relying more on detailed invention disclosures can help strike this balance. Strategies discussed include