What is an international patent?

An international patent is a patent that is granted to a company or individual by more than one distinct country. In other words, an international patent provides a company or person with legal protection for a single invention that spans multiple countries. In this way, it is different from a domestic patent, which is only valid in the single country that granted it. In Indiana, international patents are governed by the Patent Law of the United States, which is administered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Through the USPTO, applicants can file a single application for an international patent. This allows them to receive patents in multiple countries at once, without having to submit separate applications to each country. In addition, Indiana residents can get international patents through filing the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which is an international agreement that can be used to extend the protection of a patent to multiple countries. Under the PCT, a single filing with the USPTO can extend patent protection to over 120 countries. This makes it much easier and less expensive to secure protection in multiple countries at the same time. Overall, an international patent is an important tool for companies and individuals looking to protect their inventions in multiple countries. By filing a single application with the USPTO, or by using the PCT, Indiana residents can quickly and cost-effectively protect their rights in multiple countries.

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