What is an international patent?

An international patent is a patent that has been issued by a governing body and is recognized in multiple countries. In the United States, patent rights are established at the federal level and enforced by the US Patent and Trademark Office. In California, the state’s laws allow an inventor to apply for and be granted a patent from the USPTO. International patents, however, are issued by international organizations such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). An international patent has the same legal protections as a national patent and prevents other inventors from using the invention in all signatory countries of the international agreement. As an example, a US patent may only offer coverage in the US and a few other countries. An international patent, on the other hand, would offer coverage in multiple countries—as many as covered under the international patent agreement. A lawyer specializing in patent law is the best resource for obtaining an international patent, as they can explain the intricacies and requirements. Additionally, they can help evaluate the cost and benefits of pursuing international patent protection, as well as assist in navigating the complexities of filing applications in multiple countries.

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