IP Essentials: Q&A Series

Companies should take a holistic view of their business operations and consider the global IP landscape when strategizing on how to file abroad.

Q Does every country have their own filing system? A Yes. Most countries have their own patent and design registration systems with individual timelines, rules, and laws. The filing process for most countries can be broken down into the following stages: • Filing/Formalities • Search & Examination • Publication • Grant Q Do any countries work together? A Yes. International treaties such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs (Hague), have been established to streamline some aspects of filing across jurisdictions. Please see our Q&A on the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) to learn more about that process.

International patent filing is an option for businesses looking to expand or solidify their global footprint while maintaining critical in- tellectual property protections. However, it can be an expensive, complicated, and time sensitive endeavor. Decisions that are made early in the patent filing process can impact future filings and the trajectory of your business. INTERNATIONAL FILING

Q&A SERIES

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