The United States Patent and Trademark Office has announced that it is extending its pilot program that provides users with an email address to submit questions and inquiries relating to the Patent Cooperation Treaty. The email address that can be used is pcthelp@uspto.gov.
The United States is a member country of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This Treaty allows a patent applicant to file an application, receive a search conducted by the International Search Authority, and receive a written opinion as to patentability from the International Search Authority. In short, the PCT is the vehicle that an inventor would use to seek protection for their patent internationally.
As you can imagine, the process for filing a PCT application can be quite daunting, even for patent professionals. The email address provided by the US Patent Office is just one way that you can get some assistance with the complexities of filing your patent application internationally.
If you need any further information on obtaining protection for your invention in the United States or internationally, please contact me, or any member of the Widerman Malek Team to be directed to a patent attorney that can help you.
