Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
1970-06-19
1978-01-24
Summary
The PCT streamlines the process of filing patent applications in multiple countries by establishing a single international filing procedure. An applicant files one international application that has the effect of a national application in each designated country, gaining time to evaluate commercial potential before incurring the costs of individual national filings. The PCT does not grant international patents—national or regional offices retain authority over grant decisions.
Parties
U.S. Implementing Legislation
Patent Cooperation Treaty Implementation
35 U.S.C. §§ 351–376
Integrates the PCT into U.S. patent law, establishing procedures for international applications designating the United States.
Key Cases
Medtronic, Inc. v. Mirowski Family Ventures, LLC, 571 U.S. 191 (2014) — Burden of proof in patent cases (related to international patent system)