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.

Patent Applications Cover Three Broad Types of Subject Matter MPEP 201 Permitted
Oath/Declaration Requirement for Inventors, Especially Foreign Ones MPEP 2004 Informative
Oath Must Be In Understandable Language MPEP 2004 Prohibited
Oath Requirement for Foreign Language Declarations MPEP 2004 Informative
Evaluate Materiality of Closest Prior Art MPEP 2004 Permitted