About the "Exploring the PCT" Webinar Series

Dive into the full spectrum of PCT topics with Exploring the PCT, WIPO’s webinar series for experienced users of the PCT System. This free program offers concise, practice-oriented sessions designed to help you refresh your knowledge of key aspects of the PCT.

Each episode explores a key procedural or strategic topic to help improve the quality and efficiency of your PCT application from filing to national phase entry.

Looking for introductory PCT content? Check out the PCT Basics series.

Series episodes

Episode 1: Best practices to file an international application

September 25, 2025 – Virtual – 9h-10h Geneva time

A practical guide to preparing and filing a complete and compliant international application. We discuss formal requirements, common filing mistakes, and offer tips to ensure the application is processed efficiently by the relevant receiving Office and International Authorities.

Episode 1 video | Presentation materials [PDF]

Episode 2: Understanding PCT incorporation by reference

An explanation of how the PCT allows applicants to incorporate certain missing elements or parts by reference to an earlier application. This episode outlines eligibility conditions, procedural requirements, and the legal effect of incorporation by reference in both the international and national phases.

Episode 2 video | Presentation materials [PDF]

Episode 3: How to best utilize PCT declarations

This episode clarifies the role of PCT declarations, the various types of declarations that exist, and the situations in which they are useful. We provide guidance on preparing accurate declarations to help you avoid the need to furnish additional documentation when entering the national phase.

Episode 3 video | Presentation materials [PDF]

Episode 4: Mastering priority claims in PCT applications

A detailed discussion of how to make, verify, and correct priority claims when filing a PCT application. Topics include all relevant time limits that apply in this context and avoiding common mistakes that can jeopardize the priority claim.

Episode 4 video | Presentation materials [PDF]

Episode 5: Restoring the Priority Right

This episode explains the mechanisms available under the PCT to restore a priority right when the 12-month priority period has been missed. We cover the applicable criteria ("unintentional" vs. "due care" standards), procedures, evidence requirements, and how different national or regional offices may treat restored priority claims.

Episode 5 video | Presentation materials [PDF]

Episode 6: Best practices for handling recording of changes (Rule 92bis)

A practical look at how to request changes to an international application under PCT Rule 92bis, including changes in applicant or inventor information and changes in correspondence details. This episode highlights proper documentation, timing considerations, and frequent errors that can lead to processing delays.

Episode 6 video | Presentation materials [PDF]

Episode 7: International Search and Preliminary Examination

An overview of the international search and preliminary examination processes, including how International Searching Authorities (ISAs) and International Preliminary Examining Authorities (IPEAs) conduct international searches and preliminary examinations. We explain the reports issued, their significance for applicants, and strategies for using these findings to improve subsequent national phase prosecution.

Episode 7 video | Presentation materials [PDF]

Episode 8: Amendments and rectifications of obvious mistakes

This episode explains how the PCT addresses amendments and the rectification of obvious mistakes. It covers the scope of allowable corrections, how and when to request rectification, and the roles of the receiving Office, the International Bureau, and International Authorities. Practical examples highlight best practices to ensure timely, successful corrections.

Episode 8 video | Presentation materials [PDF]

Episode 9: Entering the national phase

This episode provides step by step guidance on transitioning from the international phase to the national or regional phase. It addresses requirements, deadlines, common administrative pitfalls, and how to prepare for jurisdiction specific procedures.

Episode 9 video | Presentation materials [PDF]

All episodes

Presenters

Matthias Reischle-Park

Presenting in English

Matthias Reischle-Park is Deputy Director of the PCT Legal and User Relations Division in WIPO’s Patents & Technology Sector. He is qualified to practice law in Germany and holds a degree from the University of Constance, Germany and an LL.M. in European Legal Studies from the College of Europe in Belgium. Since joining the PCT Legal team in 1998, Matthias has been actively involved in the drafting and implementation of amendments to the PCT Regulations and other PCT-related texts and publications.

Shujiang Zhou

Presenting in Chinese

Shujiang Zhou is a Legal Officer in WIPO’s PCT Legal and User Relations Division. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering from Sichuan University and an LL.M. in Intellectual Property from the University of Edinburgh. He worked for ten years at the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) as a patent examiner and international cooperation project manager and is a qualified Chinese patent attorney. He has also worked at WIPO in PCT Operations and the PCT Information Service.

Mineko Mohri

Presenting in Japanese

Mineko Mohri is a Senior Legal Officer in WIPO’s PCT Legal and User Relations Division. Before joining WIPO, she practiced with law firms in Tokyo and New York, and worked with a number of international organizations and institutes. She is qualified as an attorney-at-law in Japan and in the State of New York. She holds a law degree from Keio University, Japan, an LL.M. in Law, Science and Technology from Stanford University, United States of America, and a Dr. jur. (magna cum laude) from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany. Mineko has also worked as a supervisor within PCT Operations.

Ji Eun Park

Presenting in Korean

Ji Eun Park is a Program Officer in WIPO’s PCT Legal and User Relations Division. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Kyungpook National University in Korea. Before joining WIPO, she worked as a researcher at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and as a patent examiner at the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). She has also worked in WIPO’s PCT Information Systems Division as a software implementer.

Eva Schumm

Presenting in French

Eva Schumm is a Senior Legal Officer in the PCT Legal and User Relations Division. She holds a law degree from the University of Bonn, Germany (1989). After working as a trainee in a law firm and with the Mexican Chamber of Commerce and Industry, among others, she qualified to practice law in Germany in 1993. She worked at the United Nations before joining WIPO in 1997 in the PCT Operations area and headed the PCT Information Service until 2018. Her current role includes participating in the implementation of PCT legal provisions, the drafting of information resources and in training courses and seminars.

Thomas Henninger

Presenting in German

Thomas is a Senior Legal Information Officer in WIPO’s PCT Legal and User Relations Division. He is qualified as a judge in Munich, Germany and holds a Ph.D. in comparative law from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Prior to joining WIPO in 2009, he practiced IP law as an attorney in the private sector, worked as a research and teaching assistant at the University of Geneva and dealt with trade and development-related aspects of IP at UNCTAD and ICTSD. His current role involves managing PCT legal information resources and user feedback, providing PCT training, and dealing with legal cases. He is co-author of a commentary on the PCT, called the “Annotated Patent Cooperation Treaty”, and the “PCT Strategy and Practice” handbook.

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