Overseas Patent Application

There are two ways to apply for a patent overseas: either by applying directly to a foreign country
or by using the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) international application system.

Direct Application to a Foreign Country

How to apply for the application directly to the relevant national patent office through the attorney of the country with an application and statement in the language of the country you wish to apply for

Advantage

  • · Shortening period
  • · Reducing international cost by not going through PCT

Disadvantage

  • · High initial cost when there are many applicant countries
  • · Difficult in determining patentability in advance

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) International Application System

How to make an international application through the PCT route to save time, money,
and effort when an applicant makes an international application
*Patent registration be obtained in each country

Advantage

  • · Effect of filing in most countries (142 countries)
  • · Depending on the progress of the project, it is possible to decide
      whether or not to enter the country
  • · It can investigate patentability in international investigation stage

Disadvantage

  • · Because it has to go through the international stage,
      it takes longer to register the patent
  • · Additional cost for international stage