Index
Patent LawInternational (WIPO member states)

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)

Summary

The PCT provides a unified procedure for filing patent applications to protect inventions in each of its contracting states through a single 'international' application.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Right to file one application in one language to gain a priority date in multiple countries
  • 02.
    Right to receive an international search report and written opinion on patentability
  • 03.
    Right to delay the high costs of national patent processing for up to 30 months

Penalties

  • 01.
    Loss of patent priority if deadlines are missed
  • 02.
    Abandonment of the application if international fees are not paid
  • 03.
    Refusal of patent grant by individual national offices for non-compliance

Verified Citations

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