What is a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application?

A Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application is an international patent filing system that allows applicants to file a single request to patent an invention in several different countries. This system simplifies the process of filing for protection in multiple countries around the world. When a filing is made through the PCT system, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) acts as an intermediary to ensure that all paperwork is properly filed and that all data is distributed to the desired international patent offices. This process helps to reduce the complexity and cost of filing for international patents. Once a PCT application is filed, it is evaluated to determine whether the invention is patentable and if the invention meets the requirements of the PCT. During the evaluation process, the examiner will review the application and issue a report on the inventorship, which is then distributed to each of the countries in which the inventor wishes to file a patent application. The report can take up to two years to process. Once it is completed, the PCT application is sent to all the patent offices in the countries where the applicant wishes to file for protection. The PCT application is then evaluated by the individual patent offices in each country, who will determine whether a patent can be granted. In California, the process for filing a PCT application is similar to filing for a patent domestically. The only major difference is that applicants must meet the requirements of the PCT in order for their invention to be considered patentable in other countries as well.

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