Patents
A device, substance, method or process that you have invented.
Gives you the exclusive right to commercially exploit your invention.
International patents
There is no such thing as a 'world patent' but you can get patents granted in a number of different countries and protect your invention in important export markets.
A Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT) application is a useful way to apply for patents in a number of different countries simultaneously. The PCT is an international agreement designed to strengthen international cooperation between intellectual property offices around the world.
International patent application forms are available through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Additionally, WIPO maintains a directory of international IP offices.
Read about how international patents was used as a IP strategy in our case study - Patent protection for a type of security system.
Last Updated: 04/11/2011
