Legal Definitions - PCT filing

Definition: PCT filing refers to the process of filing an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This allows inventors to seek patent protection in multiple countries simultaneously.

Example: If an inventor wants to protect their invention in multiple countries, they can file a PCT application. This application will be examined by an international authority, and if approved, the inventor can then file for patent protection in individual countries within a certain time frame.

Explanation: The example illustrates how PCT filing allows inventors to seek patent protection in multiple countries at once. By filing a single international application, the inventor can save time and money compared to filing separate applications in each country. The PCT application is examined by an international authority, which can help streamline the process and ensure that the application meets certain standards before it is filed in individual countries.