IP services / PCT and international patent applications
HORAK · INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
PCT and international patent applications
Keep international filing options organised while deciding where an invention needs protection. We help businesses select between direct foreign filings and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) route and coordinate national and regional phases.
An international application, followed by territorial decisions
A PCT application provides a coordinated international filing and search framework. It does not result in a single worldwide patent. National and regional offices decide whether to grant protection under their applicable laws. Country selection should reflect sales, manufacturing, competitors, enforcement prospects and budget.
Priority and national-phase deadlines
An earlier patent filing will commonly support a priority claim for a subsequent filing within 12 months, provided the legal conditions are met. National-phase entry is often due at 30 months from priority; some offices apply different periods, including 31 months. We check each destination individually rather than relying on a universal deadline.
Use the international phase for decisions
Search results can inform whether to proceed, amend or reduce the country list. We coordinate translations, local representatives, applicant changes and formal documents. Foreign prosecution, official fees and renewals need a staged budget; postponing expenditure through the PCT does not eliminate it.
Three practical examples
Illustrative situations; outcomes depend on the facts and the applicable law.
01
A start-up expects US and Asian investment but does not yet know its manufacturing location: the PCT can support a staged territory decision.
02
A German applicant reaches the national-phase stage: the EPO and each other selected office need their own deadline and entry checklist.
03
A search report identifies a close publication: we assess amendments and commercial relevance before commissioning expensive translations.
What to prepare
Priority documents, PCT number, international search report, applicant chain of title, intended territories and available budget.
How we approach your matter
01 · Assess
We identify the objective, the relevant rights and the next deadline. Existing documents and the technical or commercial background determine the scope of the review.
02 · Agree
We explain the available routes, material risks and expected stages. The instruction distinguishes professional fees from official charges, translations and external costs.
03 · Act
We carry out the agreed work, report material developments and identify the next decision. Filing, registration or a particular dispute outcome cannot be guaranteed.
Further information
Official guidance relevant to this topic. Individual advice requires a review of the particular documents, facts and deadlines.
International filing strategy · Portfolio review · IP disputes
Discuss the next step
Tell us what you want to protect, the markets involved and any filing, launch or response deadline. We will clarify the scope of the instruction, the documents needed and the basis of the fees before starting the agreed work. Please identify the parties first so that we can check for conflicts and arrange a suitable channel for sensitive technical information.
Hannover headquarters · Advice for German and international businesses · Our offices
Enquire about pCT application and national phases
Use this form for a new PCT application or entry into national and regional phases. Mention any existing application and the countries under consideration so we can identify the appropriate filing work. All fields are optional.