What are the time limits for withdrawing a demand or election in a PCT application?

According to MPEP 1880, which cites PCT Rule 90bis.4(a), the time limit for withdrawing a demand or election in a PCT application is as follows:

The applicant may withdraw the demand or any or all elections at any time prior to the expiration of 30 months from the priority date.

This 30-month period provides applicants with flexibility to make strategic decisions about their international patent applications up until the point where they would typically enter the national phase in most countries.

To learn more:

• PCT
• Time Limits
• Demand Withdrawal
• Election Withdrawal
• International Application