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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Patent Cooperation Treaty
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A quick definition of Patent Cooperation Treaty:
The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is a treaty that makes it easier for inventors to get patents in multiple countries. Instead of filing separate applications in each country, an inventor can file one application and designate which countries they want to apply for a patent in. The PCT also provides for a single preliminary patent search. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) administers the treaty.A more thorough explanation:
The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is a treaty established in 1970 that simplifies the process of obtaining patents in multiple countries. It allows inventors to file a single application in one country and designate which other countries they want to apply for patents in. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) administers the treaty.
- An inventor files a patent application in the United States and designates Canada, Japan, and Germany as countries they want to apply for patents in. This is done through a PCT filing.
- A company files a PCT application for patent protection in multiple countries, including the United States. The application is examined by the patent offices in each designated country.
These examples illustrate how the PCT simplifies the process of obtaining patents in multiple countries by allowing inventors to file a single application and designating which countries they want to apply for patents in.