Introduction to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
What is the PCT System?
The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) [PDF] is an international treaty administered by WIPO. It establishes an international patent system that helps companies and innovators seek patent protection in multiple countries through a single, cost-effective procedure.
Under the PCT System, you can file one PCT application, in one language, at one patent Office (“receiving Office”), while having the same legal effect as filing separate patent applications in all Contracting States of the Treaty.
Who can use the PCT System?
You can file an international application under the PCT (also called “PCT application”) if you are a national or resident of a country that is a PCT Contracting State. If your PCT application includes more than one applicant, only one of those applicants must meet this requirement.
Where can I file a PCT application?
You should file with a patent Office that is competent to receive your PCT application (known as a PCT “receiving Office”). This is usually the patent Office in the country of your nationality or residence.
Applicants from any Contracting State can also choose to file with the International Bureau of WIPO. Applicants in some countries may need to get national security clearance before filing with the International Bureau.
How much does it cost to file a PCT application?
You must pay three fees to the receiving Office when filing your PCT application:
- an international filing fee, currently 1,330 Swiss francs (may be increased if your application has more than 30 pages, and may be reduced if you file electronically. Applicants from certain States are entitled to fee reductions);
- a search fee (varies depending on which International Searching Authority you choose); and
- a transmittal fee (varies depending on which receiving Office you file with).
All the above fees should be paid in full to the receiving Office, in the currency and via the payment method accepted by that Office. For exact amounts of these fees, refer to the current PCT Fee Tables [PDF]
Learn more about Fees and Payments.

PCT Fee Tables
How to file a PCT Application
- a request (including bibliographic data about the applicant(s));
- a description (written disclosure of the invention);
- one or more claims (defining the scope of protection sought from the application);
- one or more drawings (where required); and
- an abstract (summary of the invention).
Learn more about filing an international application.

ePCT – PCT System online services
The PCT Procedure
Find out more details about these procedures below.
Benefits of the PCT
Using the PCT to seek patent protection for your invention internationally can be advantageous in many respects.
First, it is more convenient than filing separate national patent applications in multiple countries, as your single PCT application is recognized in all Contracting States as having the same effect as a national application.
Second, you will have more time to decide whether you would like to further pursue your application before any interested national Office.
Third, you will be provided with expert opinions on the potential patentability of your invention and thus be better informed to make decisions during the process.
Last but not the least, using the PCT can help you save effort and unnecessary cost in seeking patent protection in a number of countries.

PCT System success stories
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PCT FAQs

PCT Applicant’s Guide

Learn the PCT video series

PCT Distance Learning Course
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.