COVID-19 update: PCT System
The International Bureau of WIPO, including in its role as receiving Office under the PCT, remains open for the filing and processing of PCT applications.
Find out more: WIPO’s COVID-19 Response | The IB and RO/IB remain open
Status on 22 January 2021:
- Excuse of delays under PCT Rule 82quater.1 (Interpretative statement) continues to apply in general to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the view of the IB (please note: PCT Rule 82quater.1 neither applies to the priority period nor to the time limit for entering national phase)
- If not all fees are timely paid, RO/IB has resumed issuing Form PCT/RO/117 and will consider international applications to be withdrawn for failure to pay fees
- RO/IB continues to waive the payment of any applicable late payment fees
- Receiving Offices are encouraged to show flexibility and/or take additional measures deemed appropriate depending on local circumstances
- The International Bureau continues to only transmit documents and notifications electronically
Electronic communications to and from the International Bureau
Because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on postal systems worldwide, the International Bureau has suspended the transmittal on paper of PCT documents and notifications, and until further notice will only transmit documents and notifications electronically. Due to the unpredictable postal services, all PCT users should communicate with the International Bureau exclusively by electronic means, preferably through ePCT.
Find out more: PCT News | Key tools to electronic communication
Possible remedies and best practices
Find out more about potential remedies for time limits and extensions:
- End of COVID-19-related RO/IB extended period for considering PCT applications as withdrawn for failure to pay fees
- Further COVID-19-related extension of RO/IB time limit (June 30, 2020) for considering PCT applications as withdrawn for failure to pay fees
- Webinar: Impact of COVID-19 health crisis on the PCT (Registration required to access this webinar)
- Excuse of delays under PCT Rule 82quater.1: Interpretation of the International Bureau and recommendations to PCT Offices and Authorities (Interpretative statement and Recommended Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Practice Changes in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic)
- PCT Newsletter 03/2020 (March 2020) includes “Practical Advice” relevant to COVID-19
PCT Contracting States
Find out more: IPO Closed Dates | COVID-19 IP Policy Tracker
Questions or Comments and Assistance
Send us your questions or comments via our PCT Contact form or PCT Information Service
For Assistance, find out more: Processing Team Search Tool | RO/IB Helpdesk | PCT eServices Help Desk | PCT eServices Contacts