What is the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system?

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system is an international agreement among participating countries that simplifies the process of seeking patent protection in multiple countries. Through the PCT system, a patent application can be filed in one country, and the applicant then has the option to extend the application to other participating countries. This process of extending a patent application to multiple countries is called “national phase entry”. The PCT system allows the applicant to protect their invention in a cost effective way, with reduced paperwork and other costs associated with filing separately in each country. In Colorado, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the official US body for dealing with PCT applications. A Colorado-based applicant would file a PCT application in the USPTO. From there, the USPTO would act as an international gateway, submitting the application to the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The International Bureau would then forward the application to each participating country. The PCT system can provide inventors in Colorado with a fast and reliable process for seeking protection of their inventions abroad. By filing one application at the USPTO, an inventor can enjoy a streamlined process for filing in multiple countries, significantly reducing the time, money, and paperwork associated with filing applications in multiple countries.

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What is the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system?

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