PCT-SAFE for Offices

How can PCT receiving Offices (RO) benefit from PCT-SAFE?

The PCT-SAFE Client software can be used for the electronic filing of PCT applications either over the internet or on physical media, such as CD-R or floppy diskette. There are currently no plans for PCT-SAFE to be used for transactions outside of PCT, such as national application submissions, although if there was sufficient interest in such activities, the issue could be raised at  WIPO for consideration.

The Office side must be equipped with a server to receive such applications and relevant back-end systems for processing them.

What are the minimum hardware requirements and the cost for a receiving Office to use PCT-SAFE?

In order to use PCT-SAFE in its current state, a PCT receiving Office would need a certain minimum IT infrastructure, and the capacity to absorb the license and hardware cost (approximately 90,000 CHF to 120,000 CHF - this would include two small Windows servers, IBM's WebSphere, antivirus and digital certificate processing licenses); the programmed and customized elements are available free of charge.

Are there less expensive options available?

For some, in particular smaller offices, the above-mentioned scenario may be difficult to implement and  WIPO is therefore also looking into a simpler, lower cost solution. This is based on the notion that the PCT-SAFE server system would be set up centrally at  WIPO headquarters, with a receiving Office server made available to PCT receiving Offices under a hosted scenario.

This idea is secure, low cost and potentially even free of charge, but requires:

• From a policy and legal point of view, the PCT RO to be willing for applications to be received physically at WIPO headquarters, and
• The PCT RO should have internet connection in order to access electronically filed PCT applications for viewing, printing and reception-related processing securely over the internet.

This hosted server option is not available but is likely to be made available if there was sufficient participation from PCT receiving Offices.

What is PCT-ROAD?

The PCT-ROAD (Receiving Office ADministration) System enables a PCT Receiving Office to start electronic filing under the PCT. It can also be used to facilitate the processing of filings on paper or in PCT-EASY format (paper copy accompanied by a diskette containing the request form data and abstract), PCT Receiving Office activities such as formality checks, retrieving an international application for viewing or printing are also supported. For further details please see a separate section on PCT-ROAD.

If you are interested in using the PCT-SAFE system at your PCT receiving Office, please contact the PCT e-Services Help Desk.