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 protection in multiple countries through a single international application.
- It streamlines the initial filing process for international patent protection.
- It establishes the basis for the PCT system, enabling applicants to delay the decision and costs associated with pursuing patents in specific countries.
By allowing applications to be filed as international applications, PCT Article 3(1) facilitates global patent protection and promotes international cooperation in the field of intellectual property.
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