📌 What is the PCT Procedure?
The PCT procedure (Patent Cooperation Treaty) is an international mechanism for filing an invention application that allows applicants to postpone national patenting in more than 150 countries.
Instead of filing directly with each national patent office, the applicant submits a single international application and, based on the results of the preliminary examination, decides whether to proceed in the selected countries.
✅ Main advantages:
🧭 When to file an international PCT application?
The PCT procedure is not suitable for everyone. Here are the key cases when it may be the optimal solution:
1.🌐 You plan to enter international markets
If you are developing a technology or product with potential beyond one country, a PCT application gives you international priority and time to make decisions.
2.⏳ You want to gain time
After filing a national application, you have 12 months to file a PCT application and keep the priority date.
Then you have another 18 months before entering the national phase.
This time can be used to:
3.💸 You want to defer expenses
National filings in dozens of countries can be costly.
The PCT procedure allows you to spread financial costs over time.
⚙️ How does the PCT procedure work?
Step 1: Filing an international application
Usually, it is filed with the national patent office or directly with the International Bureau of WIPO.
Step 2: International search
Conducted by one of the authorized search authorities.
The search report includes:
Step 3: Publication of the application
After 18 months from the priority date, the application is published.
This provides public disclosure and shows the seriousness of your intentions.
Step 4 (optional): International preliminary examination
Allows you to obtain a preliminary opinion on the patentability of your invention.
Step 5: Entry into the national phase
Within 30–31 months (depending on the country) from the priority date, you select the countries where you wish to continue the patenting process.
📊 Advantages of filing through the PCT
🌍 Global coverage
📌 Access to more than 150 jurisdictions
⏳ Deferred expenses
📌 Time for decision-making and partner search
🔍 Unified international search
📌 Early understanding of patenting prospects
📄 Simplified documentation
📌 Standardized application format and procedures
🤝 Investor presentation
📌 Proof of seriousness and international patent status
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔸 Is filing a PCT application mandatory?
No, you can file directly with national offices.
However, the PCT provides flexibility and time, especially with a limited budget.
🔸 Does the PCT grant patents?
No, the PCT is a filing procedure, not a patent-granting process.
Patents are granted by national offices during the national phase.
🔸 Can the application be amended after filing?
Yes, corrections and amendments are allowed, especially during the international examination stage.
🛠️ How I can help
As a patent expert with over 27 years of experience, I, Avetis Peryan, can:
📌 Determine the feasibility of filing under the PCT;
📄 Prepare and file your international application;
📊 Assess risks and potential jurisdictions;
🤝 Support you before and during the national phase.
📞 Ready for international patenting?
Contact me for a consultation, and together we’ll determine the optimal route for protecting your invention.
📧 info@peryanip.am
🌐 www.peryanip.am
The PCT procedure (Patent Cooperation Treaty) is an international mechanism for filing an invention application that allows applicants to postpone national patenting in more than 150 countries.
Instead of filing directly with each national patent office, the applicant submits a single international application and, based on the results of the preliminary examination, decides whether to proceed in the selected countries.
✅ Main advantages:
- Saving time and resources
- Postponement of expenses
- Unified application format
- International search and preliminary examination
🧭 When to file an international PCT application?
The PCT procedure is not suitable for everyone. Here are the key cases when it may be the optimal solution:
1.🌐 You plan to enter international markets
If you are developing a technology or product with potential beyond one country, a PCT application gives you international priority and time to make decisions.
2.⏳ You want to gain time
After filing a national application, you have 12 months to file a PCT application and keep the priority date.
Then you have another 18 months before entering the national phase.
This time can be used to:
- conduct market analysis;
- find investors or partners;
- gather feedback from target markets.
3.💸 You want to defer expenses
National filings in dozens of countries can be costly.
The PCT procedure allows you to spread financial costs over time.
⚙️ How does the PCT procedure work?
Step 1: Filing an international application
Usually, it is filed with the national patent office or directly with the International Bureau of WIPO.
Step 2: International search
Conducted by one of the authorized search authorities.
The search report includes:
- a list of closest prior art;
- an assessment of novelty and inventive step.
Step 3: Publication of the application
After 18 months from the priority date, the application is published.
This provides public disclosure and shows the seriousness of your intentions.
Step 4 (optional): International preliminary examination
Allows you to obtain a preliminary opinion on the patentability of your invention.
Step 5: Entry into the national phase
Within 30–31 months (depending on the country) from the priority date, you select the countries where you wish to continue the patenting process.
📊 Advantages of filing through the PCT
🌍 Global coverage
📌 Access to more than 150 jurisdictions
⏳ Deferred expenses
📌 Time for decision-making and partner search
🔍 Unified international search
📌 Early understanding of patenting prospects
📄 Simplified documentation
📌 Standardized application format and procedures
🤝 Investor presentation
📌 Proof of seriousness and international patent status
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔸 Is filing a PCT application mandatory?
No, you can file directly with national offices.
However, the PCT provides flexibility and time, especially with a limited budget.
🔸 Does the PCT grant patents?
No, the PCT is a filing procedure, not a patent-granting process.
Patents are granted by national offices during the national phase.
🔸 Can the application be amended after filing?
Yes, corrections and amendments are allowed, especially during the international examination stage.
🛠️ How I can help
As a patent expert with over 27 years of experience, I, Avetis Peryan, can:
📌 Determine the feasibility of filing under the PCT;
📄 Prepare and file your international application;
📊 Assess risks and potential jurisdictions;
🤝 Support you before and during the national phase.
📞 Ready for international patenting?
Contact me for a consultation, and together we’ll determine the optimal route for protecting your invention.
📧 info@peryanip.am
🌐 www.peryanip.am
