What is an international application?

An international application is a patent application which can be filed in multiple countries at the same time. In order to file an international application, you must first file a patent application in the United States with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This application must then be filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). They will then transfer the application to countries of the applicant’s choosing. International applications are commonly referred to Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications. The PCT allows an applicant to file a single international patent application and then have it transferred to any country that has signed the treaty. This allows the applicant to pursue patent protection in multiple countries from a single filing. In Mississippi, the state’s Office of Intellectual Property Protection handles the filing of PCT applications. An international application may be beneficial for those looking to protect their inventions around the world. By filing a single international application, it can save time, cost, and effort that would need to be taken if each country had to be individually filed with. Furthermore, international applications can help mitigate risk by allowing you to file in multiple countries with a single application.

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