What is an international application according to MPEP 201?

The MPEP 201 defines an international application as follows:

“An international application is a patent application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). An international application may be filed by a resident or national of the United States of America in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as a Receiving Office.”

Key points about international applications include:

• They are governed by the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
• They allow inventors to seek patent protection in multiple countries through a single application.
• The USPTO can act as a Receiving Office for U.S. residents or nationals.
• They enter a national phase in individual countries where protection is sought.

International applications provide a streamlined process for seeking patent protection in multiple countries, potentially saving time and resources for inventors and businesses operating globally.

For more information on Patent Cooperation Treaty, visit: Patent Cooperation Treaty.