What is the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)?

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is an international agreement that provides a unified procedure for filing patent applications in countries all over the world. It was signed in 1970 and operates under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland. The PCT allows applicants to file a single application to protect an invention in multiple countries. The process, which is less expensive than filing individual applications in each country, helps applicants save time and money. After the application is filed and accepted, a “patent cooperation treaty search report” is provided to the applicant so they can determine whether it is worthwhile to proceed with the application in each particular country. In North Carolina, the PCT is recognized by the US Patent and Trademark Office. In addition, North Carolina’s patent law already incorporates the provisions of the PCT, meaning applicants can claim the benefits of the PCT without having to file a separate application. The benefits of the PCT are tremendous. Not only does it help applicants save time and money, it also helps promote the global economy by encouraging international patent cooperation. Furthermore, by filing one application, inventors can better protect their intellectual property around the world, giving them assurance that their work will not be copied or stolen by someone else.

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What is the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)?

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