Where can I find definitions related to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)?
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.
Definitions related to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) can be found in several sources:
- PCT Article 2 and PCT Rule 2, which are available in MPEP Appendix T
- 35 U.S.C. 351, found in MPEP Appendix L
- 37 CFR 1.9 and 1.401, located in MPEP Appendix R
- PCT Administrative Instructions Section 101, available in MPEP Appendix AI
As stated in MPEP 1802: “The PCT contains definitions in PCT Article 2 and in PCT Rule 2, which are found in MPEP Appendix T. Additional definitions are in 35 U.S.C. 351, found in MPEP Appendix L, in 37 CFR 1.9 and 1.401, found in MPEP Appendix R, and in PCT Administrative Instructions Section 101, found in MPEP Appendix AI.” This comprehensive list provides various sources for PCT-related definitions, ensuring that patent attorneys, examiners, and inventors have access to the necessary terminology.