International patent applications

Protecting yourself abroad: competent and reliable specialists in Milan

At Brevetti Digiovanni Schmiedt in Milan, we offer all the information necessary to learn about protecting yourself abroad. In this regard, there are two main agreements through which you can obtain patent protection by filing a single application:

The European Patent Convention (EPC) and the so-called international patent convention (i.e. Patent Cooperation Treaty or PCT).

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PCT patent applications

An international patent application (or 'PCT application') is a patent application that confers highly effective protection for at least 30 months in 157 countries around the world for a relatively modest expenditure.

Within 30 months from the filing or priority date, the PCT application must be nationalised in those countries where it is clear that there will be a commercial return. The purpose of an international patent application is to centralise patent application and examination procedures worldwide.

Search for prior art

Similar to the process when filing a national patent application, the procedure to file a PCT patent application is followed by the preparation of a research report with the list of antecedents deemed the closest. Together with the research report, an initial opinion (the so-called 'written opinion') is provided regarding the validity of the invention in light of the antecedents highlighted.

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Patenting an invention in a single foreign country

If you wish, you can file a patent application in a single foreign country while maintaining the priority of the filing date of the Italian application, provided that the foreign filing takes place within twelve months and the priority is claimed expressly.

Would you like to know more about the PCT patent application? Contact us with no obligation.