What is the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)?

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is an international system for obtaining patent protection around the world. It is governed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and is an agreement between more than 150 countries. In North Carolina, the PCT allows inventors to file a single international application instead of filing separate applications in each country or region where patent protection is sought. This saves time, money, and energy since the applicant does not have to go through the expense of filing and prosecuting separate applications in each country. The PCT system also provides several advantages, such as allowing applicants to delay the cost of filing in each country until after the international search and examination reports are received; allows applicants to receive faster international search results; and allows applicants to receive an international preliminary examination report within three months of filing. The PCT system also enables applicants to receive advice on the best strategy for patent protection, based on a review of the search and preliminary examination reports and an assessment of the patentability of the invention. In short, the PCT is an international system that helps inventors secure patent protection for their invention around the world. It reduces the cost, time, and effort of filing separate applications in each country and provides a more streamlined way of obtaining patent protection.

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What is the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)?

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