Case Study - A Look into P&G's Use of the PCT

WIPO posted a presentation from Procter & Gamble (P&G) discussing their international patent strategies and use of the PCT filing process.  The presentation provides an inside look at the motivations behind a large corporation's decision to utilize the PCT.

P&G has filed about 11,000 applications through the PCT since December of 1990.  They cite three main factors for filing through the PCT:

1. controlling costs,

2. maximizing flexibility and efficiency, and

3. improving portfolio management. 

The outline below highlights some of the advantages of each factor that help shape P&G's patent strategy.

Controlling Costs

• The PCT allows them at least 18 months to defer costs of national stage entry, at which point they can evaluate the invention and change its priority tier or abandon.