Patent Cooperation Treaty and European Patent Convention

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (hereinafter referred as the “PCT”) is a multilateral treaty administered by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It facilitates the filing of patent application worldwide. The treaty was concluded in Washington on June 19, 1970 and was attended by 78 countries. It entered into force on January 24, 1978. The technological revolution and increasing focus on intellectual property enforcement gave the PCT the boost it needed. It represents the model of international cooperation between the contracting parties.The European Patent Convention' (EPC) is an attempt to simplify European patent law. The Convention provides a procedure for securing a single, European patent, which has the effect of a national patent in the signatory nations designated in the application. Through this alternative to national procedures, widespread patent coverage should be easier to obtain. Requirements for a European patent, however, are rigorous and its attraction is primarily the consolidation of the grant procedures.