The Shanghai PCT international patent applications hotline is officially launched on May 20. [Photo/WeChat account: Shanghai_IPA]

Shanghai city in East China recently opened a service hotline – +86-021-62675677 – which provides advice on the Patent Cooperation Treaty, or PCT, concerning international patent applications.

The hotline is designed to boost the ability of enterprises to apply for PCT international patent applications and help them improve their international competitiveness.

The hotline mainly offers consultations, publicity and training for PCT international patent applications.

Q&As

Q1: What is the PCT?

A: PCT, short for the Patent Cooperation Treaty, is an international treaty on patents. Before the introduction of the PCT system, the only way for Chinese companies to protect their core technology in several countries was to file separate applications in each country, which was complicated and costly.

Q2: Why are more and more Chinese groups applying for PCT international patents?

A: In order to adapt to the needs of international business, more and more Chinese enterprises use PCT to protect their technologies in important countries and regions in the world. Thus, they gain more competitive advantages in global market competition.

Q3: What are the features and advantages of PCT international patent applications?

A: 1. It provides a more convenient way for Chinese companies to apply for patents in foreign countries and simplifies the application procedures.

2. The applications date for PCT patent entering the national stage in other countries is the applications date of the patent submitted to the China National Intellectual Property Administration, or CNIPA.

3. Most international applications to CNIPA may be made in China, the application language may be in Chinese and the international patent search may be conducted in China.

4. Within 30 months from the priority date, applicants can decide on their own which countries to enter. They can make full use of the time to discuss whether there is any protection value.

5. A high-quality international search report and written comments are made available, for the patentee to understand the current novelty and creativity of the technology.

Q4: Is there any relevant website?

A: 1. The PCT column of CNIPA

https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/col/col45/index.html

2. The PCT online applications network of CNIPA

http://www.pctonline.cnipa.gov.cn/