Information: Our website will be undergoing an upgrade on September 23, 2025, from 6.30 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. Geneva time (GMT+2). While some pages may be momentarily unavailable, IP tools will remain available.

PCT – The International Patent System

Seek patent protection abroad

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) [PDF] establishes a cost-effective means for companies and innovators to seek patent protection for inventions in multiple countries. A single international patent application successfully filed under the PCT (also called “PCT application”) has the same legal effect as filing separate patent applications in all Contracting States. It currently has 158 Contracting States.

The PCT also greatly facilitates the processing and examination of international applications by national patent Offices, and provides the general public with access to technical disclosures contained in international applications.

Find out more about the PCT System at: Introduction to the PCT.
​​​​​​​
hand writing with pen
play_circle

The PCT:  Seeking Patent Protection Beyond Borders

Explore further the Frequently Asked Questions in PCT FAQs.

News

Email updates

PCT Newsletter – Monthly PCT news and information including fee tables and seminars.
PCT Applicant's Guide Updates – Weekly updates and revisions to the PCT Applicant's Guide.

Sign up All WIPO newsletters

How to use the PCT system

file icon with keyboard background

File a PCT application

Learn about how to file a PCT application, including the required elements, basic requirements, practical details and applicable fees
manage icon with globe background

Manage your PCT application

Understand how to manage your PCT application throughout the international phase, including important procedures and deadlines
globe icon with building background

Enter the national phase

Find out when and how to proceed with your PCT application in the national phase

ePCT – PCT System online services

Use ePCT to file and manage your international applications as an applicant, or process international applications as a patent Office.

PCT knowledge and resources

PCT legal resources

Information and updates

PCT meetings

Other resources

PCT education resources

man working on a laptop

PCT training events and resources

Register for upcoming PCT training events or explore past training recordings and resources
hand holding a video camera

Learn the PCT video series

Learn the PCT through video lectures by topic
woman watching a video course on a laptop

PCT Distance Learning Course

Take a PCT course via the WIPO Distance Learning program
hand playing a guitar

PCT System success stories

Discover the stories of companies and inventors that have successfully taken advantage of the PCT System to seek protection for their inventions

Questions about the PCT System?

Our PCT Information Service team is available to answer your general and legal questions and guide you through the various aspects of using the PCT System. 

Need to talk to someone? Call us: +41 22 338 8338 (Monday to Friday 09:00–18:00 CET)