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PCT in the Media

PCT Cited as an Example of Multilateralism in Everyday Life

“Multilateralism plays a crucial role in shaping and enhancing many aspects of our daily lives, from the technology we use to the safety of international travel.” Among the examples showing how multilateralism influences and improves our daily lives, the United Nations (UN) has published on its website a list of examples of UN-related multilateralism in everyday life, citing the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) as one such example, stating “[t]he Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) streamlines patent protection across more than 150 countries, safeguarding inventions and advancing global innovation.”

Read the full article on “Global Issues: Multilateral System”, on the UN website and the article in the PCT Newsletter 01/2025 PDF

How Medtech is Bringing Affordable Cancer Care to Rural
Communities in Cameroon

“When we started working on innovation, we were not familiar with intellectual property. Luckily, we did not expose our work. We realized that our technology was unique and needed protection but weren’t sure how to go about it. We had heard of cases where startups had failed because their ideas had been copied by bigger organizations. Luckily, I had a friend who was an IP lawyer. Thanks to him, I learnt a lot about IP, patents and the Patent Cooperation Treaty, which makes it easier to protect your inventions in multiple countries. With his help, we started filing patents and became increasingly motivated to develop other innovative solutions that we could protect. We soon came to appreciate the value of IP in building our credibility in the market.”

By Catherine Jewell, former Senior Information Officer, WIPO (Read the full article) and link to relevant PCT application PCT/IB2022/051281

Mootral: Saving the climate, one cow at a time

“Mootral is covered by a number of patents. These rights protect the innovation and make it possible to exclude others from making, using and selling the invention. At this stage, the company’s innovation focus is on reducing the methane production of ruminants. The company has also sought to protect its technology internationally through WIPO’s Patent Cooperation Treaty.”

Extract from the WIPO Magazine (Read the full article) and link to relevant PCT application PCT/GB2018/050010

Westwell's Smart Port Technology For a Sustainable Supply Chain

“Westwell is a frequent user of WIPO’s Patent Cooperation Treaty and the Madrid system for the International Registration of Trademarks. From your experience, what are the main benefits of these systems? For companies that want to expand into international markets, WIPO's international IP services for patents, brands and designs are very useful. They are cost-effective and facilitate the process of securing IP rights in multiple countries.”

By Catherine Jewell, Information and Digital Outreach Division, WIPO (Read the full article)

Together We Can: Approaches to Empowering Women in IP

“The intellectual property (IP) gender gap is a real problem; only around 16 percent of patent applications filed through WIPO's Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) are from women, leaving countless brilliant minds and their ideas untapped. WIPO estimates that at current rates, gender parity among PCT-listed inventors will not be achieved before 2064. By taking action now to enable and support women innovators, we can unlock their potential for innovation, strengthen IP and innovation ecosystems and drive economic growth.”

By Aikaterini Kanellia and Lisa Jorgenson, Patents and Technology Sector, WIPO (Read the full article)

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International Patent Applications Defy 2022 Challenges, Continue Upward Trend

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