Foreign patent protection can be very expensive and might not be the best choice for every startup. However, there are good reasons to consider international patents, and strategies exist to help manage the costs. When Should You Start Planning for Foreign Patent Protection? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1ys7irp_5gIdeally, you should begin planning for foreign … [Read more...]
What is the national phase of the PCT?
The national phase of the PCT starts when you file your PCT application in a country that has signed up to the Patent Cooperation Treaty. Currently, more than 150 countries are a part of the Patent Cooperation Treaty. What are the top 10 countries where inventors file a national phase patent application? The top countries for filing national … [Read more...]
What is the International Phase of the PCT?
The International Phase of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) begins once an international application (PCT Application) is filed at a Receiving Office. The PCT Application remains in the international Phase for 18 or 19 months. During this time, the PCT Application can enter either Chapter 1 or Chapter 2 routes (see below). By default, all PCT Applications follow Chapter … [Read more...]
What is a PCT Receiving Office and an ISA?
A Receiving Office under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is an organization established by an individual country to act as an official national patent office during the International Phase of the PCT. The Receiving Office is responsible for receiving and forwarding PCT applications to which specific requirements of the PCT may apply. It also performs other PCT formalities … [Read more...]
What is a PCT application (Patent Cooperation Treaty)?
The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is an international patent law treaty that simplifies the procedures for seeking patent protection in all contracting states. A patent application filed under the PCT is called an international application, or PCT application. A PCT Application filed in a foreign country is called a PCT national phase patent application. The PCT is … [Read more...]
Foreign patent filing to secure protection in other countries
Updated January 20, 2022FOREIGN PATENT FILINGTo secure patent protection in other countries with a foreign patent filing, inventors must file a patent application prior to public disclosure of the invention to others. Public disclosures come in the form of websites, offers to sell, investment solicitations, tradeshows, public demonstrations, message boards, and other situations … [Read more...]