A question regularly asked is whether there is a worldwide patent. No, there is no patent that is automatically valid around the world. A patent is granted country by country and is valid only in the country in which it is granted.
A question that is often asked is whether there is a global patent . No, there is no patent that is automatically valid throughout the world. A patent is granted per country and is only valid in the country in which it is granted.
No global patent
There is no such thing as a patent that automatically applies worldwide. However, the PCT procedure allows you to efficiently apply for patent protection in more than 150 countries with a single international application. You can then decide for each country whether you want to proceed.
Some international/regional systems do exist that can facilitate the process of patent protection in multiple countries. An international PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) Patent application is an example of this, where you initially submit a patent for all participating countries, which currently number 157. At the end of the PCT procedure, however, you still have to choose in which countries you ultimately want to obtain a patent. An international PCT patent application therefore does not offer a worldwide patent, but it simplifies the application process and gives you more time to decide in which specific countries you ultimately want to obtain a patent.
We are happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding intellectual property. Custos IPC is active in the Netherlands and has partners worldwide with whom we collaborate. You can read about what we do for various clients on our services page. Through our contact page find out all the relevant details to contact us.
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