What are the required elements of an international patent application?

According to MPEP 1812, an international patent application must contain the following elements: Request Description Claim or claims Abstract One or more drawings (where necessary for understanding the invention) This is based on PCT Article 3(2) and PCT Article 7(2). The MPEP states: “Any international application must contain the following elements: request, description, claim or…

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What form is used for the request in an international patent application?

According to MPEP 1812, the request in an international patent application is made on a standardized form called Form PCT/RO/101. The MPEP states: “The request is made on a standardized form (Form PCT/RO/101), copies of which can be obtained from the USPTO or online from WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/en/forms/)“ Additionally, the MPEP mentions an alternative method…

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How is the ‘relevant date’ determined for prior art in international patent applications?

The ‘relevant date’ for determining prior art in international patent applications is defined in MPEP 1878.01(a) and PCT Rule 64.1(b). It is generally: The international filing date of the application The filing date of an earlier application if priority is claimed and valid In some cases, the filing date of an earlier application even if…

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What is the role of the Receiving Office (RO) in the PCT process?

The Receiving Office (RO) plays a crucial role in the initial stages of the PCT process. According to the MPEP, The receiving Office functions as the filing and formalities review organization for international applications. The main responsibilities of the Receiving Office include: Accepting and processing international applications Conducting formalities review Granting an international filing date…

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What is the purpose of PCT Article 3(1) in relation to international patent applications?

MPEP 1812 cites PCT Article 3(1), which establishes the fundamental principle of the Patent Cooperation Treaty regarding international applications. The article states: “Applications for the protection of inventions in any of the Contracting States may be filed as international applications under this Treaty.“ This provision serves several important purposes: It allows inventors to seek patent…

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What is a priority document in international patent applications?

A priority document is an earlier application whose priority is claimed in an international patent application. It’s a crucial element in establishing the priority date for an invention. According to MPEP 1870, the International Preliminary Examining Authority may require a copy of this document: “If the International Preliminary Examining Authority needs a copy of the…

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What is considered prior art for international patent applications?

According to MPEP 1878.01(a), prior art for international patent applications is defined in PCT Rule 64.1(a) as: “everything made available to the public anywhere in the world by means of written disclosure (including drawings and other illustrations) … provided that such making available occurred prior to the relevant date.” The ‘relevant date’ is generally the…

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How can I prevent the international publication of my patent application?

Preventing the international publication of a patent application is possible through timely withdrawal, as described in MPEP 1859 and PCT Rule 90bis. Here are the key points: Withdraw the entire international application before the completion of technical preparations for publication. Submit a notice of withdrawal to the International Bureau, receiving Office, or International Preliminary Examining…

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