Can I Get An International Patent?

There is no international patent to provide global protection for an invention. Instead, a patent must be obtained in each country or region where protection is required as a patent holder is only able prevent another person from using the invention or importing a product that implements the invention in a country or region where a patent is held.

Fortunately, there are several options for applicants that make it easier to obtain patent protection in a number of countries or regions.

Paris Convention

What is the Paris Convention?

The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property established the right to claim priority. This right means that, after filing a first application in one country, the applicant has 12 months (known as the priority period) to apply for protection in other countries. These subsequent applications will be regarded as if they had been filed on the same day as the first application.