PCT Filing Guide

The Paris Convention is an international treaty that allows applicants to file a single "priority" application in one country. This priority filing begins a 12-month period in which Paris Convention applications may be filed in any of the 177 cooperating countries. Paris Convention filings will enjoy the benefits of the priority filing date.

Any prior art published after the priority application will not be considered when examining the applications for novelty. The 12-month period allows the applicant enough time to meet all of the
requirements in order to file the application in other countries.

This guide includes:

• An overview of the PCT & national phase entry process