What is the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)?
The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is a multilateral agreement that simplifies the process of obtaining patent rights in multiple countries for inventions. It was signed in June 1970 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and consists of regulations and procedures that allow inventors to apply for patent protection in all participating countries. Under the PCT, inventors submit a single patent application, known as an International Application, to an International Searching Authority. This application is then examined by the Search Authority to make sure that the invention is novel and qualifies for patent protection. If it does, then the application is forwarded to the national patent offices in the countries specified by the inventor. In Mississippi, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is both the International Search Authority and the receiving office for International Applications. This means that inventors in Mississippi must submit their International Application to the USPTO to begin the PCT process. The USPTO will conduct an international search of the invention and forward it to the designated foreign patent offices. The USPTO will also handle all correspondence and other paperwork throughout the entire process. In summary, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is an agreement between different countries that simplifies the patent application process for inventors. It provides an easier way to apply for patent protection in multiple countries by submitting a single patent application to an International Search Authority. In Mississippi, the USPTO serves as both the International Search Authority and the receiving office for International Applications.
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