How does the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) affect international patent applications?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) significantly impacts international patent applications. According to MPEP 213.01 : International applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) are considered to have been filed in any PCT contracting state of which the United States is one. This means that a PCT application effectively serves as a placeholder for potential national phase entries in all PCT member countries. It provides applicants with additional time to decide in which countries they want to pursue patent protection, while securing an early filing date. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Right of Priority for Patent Cooperation Treaty and Paris Convention Members MPEP 213.01 Priority Benefit for US Patent Applications MPEP 213 Permitted Priority Claim Must Be Made According to Hague Agreement MPEP 213 Permitted International Application Can Claim Priority of Prior Foreign Application MPEP 213.01 Required National Application Entitled to Priority Based on International Filing Outside US MPEP 213.01 Required International Application Must Designate Foreign Country for Priority Claim MPEP 213.01 Required Requirement for Certain Applications Filed After March 16, 2013 MPEP 213 National Application Entitled to International Design Priority MPEP 213.01 National Application Entitled to International Design Priority MPEP 213.01 Required National Application Entitled to International Priority MPEP 213.01 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the USPTO determine which countries are eligible for priority claims? What are the differences between recognized countries and regional patent offices for foreign filing? What is the sig...