What is the first-to-file principle?

Based on the filing date of a trademark, only the person who files first can obtain the trademark registration. Article 8, Paragraph 1 of the Trademark Act provides that "where there are two or more applicants for trademark registration on different dates with respect to identical or similar trademarks to be used on identical or similar goods, only the person who files first may obtain trademark registration for that trademark" (Article 8, Paragraph 1 of the Trademark Act).