Before you apply
To file a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application at least one applicant or inventor must be a national or resident of a country that is a member of the PCT (a 'contracting state').
Australia is a PCT contracting state and we are the receiving office for PCT applications made by Australian nationals or residents.
An up-to-date list of contracting states is available on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) website.
Although our staff cannot give you advice about your particular circumstances, we can answer general questions that you may have about the PCT system. Obtaining a commercially useful patent requires a high level of expertise and therefore we recommend that you seek professional guidance before seeking international patent protection.
Last Updated: 06/2/2013
