What is a PCT?

PCT stands for “Patent Cooperation Treaty.” It’s an international agreement that facilitates the application and management of patents worldwide. It’s a way for inventors to protect their intellectual property (IP) by filing a single and unified patent application, rather than filing separate applications in different countries. Here’s a closer look at what a PCT is and what it can do for inventors.

What Does a PCT Do?

The PCT simplifies the patenting process for inventors and helps them avoid costly and time-consuming procedures. By using the PCT, inventors have uniform access to patent protection in as many as 153 countries and economies that are signatories to the agreement. PCT reformats and standardizes the agreement and filing language in a way that makes it acceptable in each country.

The PCT outlines the steps required for any given application, and its members’ governments determine which patent offices pursue each particular application. It allows an inventor to determine the best Patent Office for prosecution and filing according to their specific country’s laws.

How Does a PCT Work?

The process begins with filing a single international patent application which can include separate independent claims in multiple member countries. Once a patent application is filed, the PCT assigns an international search authority (ISA), responsible for searching the invention and issuing a written opinion about its potential for protection. The PCT assigns an international examining authority (IEA) to examine the patent’s merits and produce a written opinion.

The IEA assesses the scope of the invention’s protection under the country’s law, then gives its opinion on the novelty and uniqueness of the invention. The PCT also allows applicants to delay filing in member countries for up to two years, giving the patent holder that much more time to determine the best place for filing. It’s also possible for applicants to extend the international phase for up to five years.

Overall, the PCT aids inventors in the international application process by providing convenience and cost savings; it simplifies filing procedures and helps them identify which countries and regions offer the most protection for their inventions. In addition, the PCT makes filing and prosecution of oil and gas applications easier and more efficient in member countries.