Janet WernerJanet Werner

Problems and Advantages PCT has Problems and Advantages PCT has for Officesfor Offices

Problems and Advantages PCT has Problems and Advantages PCT has for Officesfor Offices

“Desiring to simplify and render

more economical the obtaining of

protection for inventions where

protection is sought in several

countries”

“Desiring to simplify and render

more economical the obtaining of

protection for inventions where

protection is sought in several

countries”

PCT PreamblePCT PreamblePCT PreamblePCT Preamble

Advantages for applicants Advantages for applicants and Officesand Offices

Advantages for applicants Advantages for applicants and Officesand Offices

Uniform formality requirements Centralised international publication Single international search Preliminary examination report that

can be used in multiple jurisdictions

Uniform formality requirements Centralised international publication Single international search Preliminary examination report that

can be used in multiple jurisdictions

ProblemsProblemsProblemsProblems

Inability to recognise the work of others

Multiple searches and examinations Unnecessary workloads Lengthy pendency periods Waste of skilled resources Excessive costs

Inability to recognise the work of others

Multiple searches and examinations Unnecessary workloads Lengthy pendency periods Waste of skilled resources Excessive costs

PCT Applications per yearPCT Applications per yearPCT Applications per yearPCT Applications per year

Building confidence between Building confidence between OfficesOffices

Building confidence between Building confidence between OfficesOffices

Agreed quality standards Ability to demonstrate compliance Bilateral agreements Benchmarking exercises

Agreed quality standards Ability to demonstrate compliance Bilateral agreements Benchmarking exercises

ConclusionsConclusionsConclusionsConclusions

PCT presents significant opportunities to reduce duplication of effort

This advantage has as yet to be realised

Development of quality standards can assist

PCT presents significant opportunities to reduce duplication of effort

This advantage has as yet to be realised

Development of quality standards can assist