What is the significance of a "filing date" for a patent application?

The filing date of a patent application is significant because it establishes the official starting point for patent rights. Once an application is filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the inventor secures a priority date with respect to the claims made in the application. This means that any subsequent applications claiming the same invention must have been filed after this date, which affects both the examination process and potential infringement actions. In the case of a conflict, the patent rights are typically awarded to the party that filed first, thereby emphasizing the importance of the filing date in determining the patent's enforceability and scope.

The other options do not capture the essence of the filing date's significance accurately. While proof of submission is important, it does not encompass the broader implications of securing patent rights. The duration of the patent examination and the number of claims are administrative aspects that are separate from the critical role that the filing date plays in establishing priority and protecting an inventor's rights.