Patent rights are territorial. A U.S. patent does not provide protection outside the United States. The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) offers a coordinated international application process; individual national or regional offices decide whether to grant patents.
How does the PCT route work?
The international phase includes a search and written opinion. Applicants then pursue protection in selected national or regional offices, with local requirements, fees, and any needed translations. A PCT application is not an international patent, but rather a means for preserving rights to pursue patent protection in most foreign countries.
What timing should you discuss?
An application claiming priority to an earlier filing is generally filed within 12 months of that first filing. National-phase entry in each country of interest is commonly due at 30 months from the earliest priority date, but deadlines and requirements vary; and some countries offer extensions. Confirm the rules for every intended jurisdiction.
Choose a filing plan
Discuss target markets, manufacturing locations, earlier filings, disclosure dates, and budget. Direct national or regional filings may also be appropriate. International design protection uses different routes. Bring these topics to your discussion alongside your utility application plans.
Discuss Your Invention
Contact Lowry Blixseth APC in Agoura Hills to discuss your patent goals and next steps.