What It Means

A PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application is a single international filing that reserves your right to seek patents in over 150 countries. It does not grant a patent but delays the cost and complexity of individual national filings for up to 30 months. The process includes an international search report, providing a crucial early opinion on your invention's patentability before you commit significant resources.

Why It Matters

Filing a PCT application:

Buys time and flexibility

Filing a PCT application delays the cost and complexity of national filings while preserving your right to seek protection worldwide.

Provides an early indication of novelty and inventive step

The international search report and written opinion provide early insight into prior art and patentability, guiding strategy before major costs are incurred or the patent is published

Signals global intent

Investors and partners see a PCT filing as evidence that the technology has international potential and is managed with foresight.

Real-world Example

A company developing a bio-based plastic files a PCT application. Over the next 18 months, they use the positive international search report to secure Series A funding, which then finances their national patent filings in the US, EU, Japan, and South Korea

Pro Tip

File national phase applications through a PCT filing agency to streamline the filing process and substantially reduce cost