PCT Distance Learning Course: Introduction to the

Patent Cooperation Treaty

Course Syllabus
Module 1: What is the PCT?

1.1 PCT Contracting States

1.2 Role of the International Bureau of WIPO

1.3 The PCT Overview of the Process

Module 2: Why Use the PCT?

2.1 Brings the World within Reach

2.2 Cost and Time Advantages

2.3 Strong Basis for Patenting Decisions

Module 3: Preparing the PCT Application

3.1 Form and Contents

3.2 Other Formal Requirements

Module 4: Filing the PCT Application

4.1 The Receiving Office

4.2 Checking for Defects

4.3 Claiming Priority

4.4 Priority Document

4.5 Language of the PCT Application

4.6 Fees Payable

Module 5: PCT Electronic Services

5.1 ePCT

5.2 Electronic Filing Using PCT-SAFE

5.3 PATENTSCOPE
Module 6: Patent Agents and Common Representatives

6.1 Common Representatives

6.2 Appointment of Agents and Common Representatives

6.3 Powers of Attorney

Module 7: The International Search Report and Written Opinion of the ISA

7.1 Search Procedure

7.2 International Search Report

7.3 Written Opinion

7.4 Informal Comments

7.5 Amendment of the Claims before the International Bureau (Article 19)

7.6 The International Preliminary Report on Patentability (Chapter I)

7.7 Supplementary International Search

Module 8: International Publication

8.1 Effects of International Publication

8.2 Content of the International Publication

8.3 Language of Publication

8.4 The Gazette (PCT Gazette)

8.5 Preventing Publication

8.6 Postponing Publication

Module 9: International Preliminary Examination

9.1 The Demand

9.2 Amendment of the Description, Claims, Drawings

9.3 Written Opinion of the IPEA

9.4 The International Preliminary Report on Patentability (Chapter II)

9.5 Fees Payable

Module 10: Entry into the National Phase

10.1 Basic Requirements

10.2 Considerations

10.3 Amendments upon Entry in the National Phase

10.4 Application of National Law

Module 11: Special International Phase Procedures

11.1 Withdrawals (Rule 90bis)

11.2 Rectification of Obvious Mistakes (Rule 91)

11.3 Recording of Changes Relating to the Applicant, Agent or Inventor (Rule 92bis)

Module 12: Procedures for Inventions in the Field of Biotechnology

12.1 Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Listings

12.2 Biological Material Deposits

Module 13: Access by Third Parties to the File of a PCT Application

13.1 General Principles

13.2 Information Published by the International Bureau

13.3 Priority Documents

13.4 File Held by the International Bureau

13.5 Files of National Offices/International Authorities

Module 14: PCT Outlook

14.1 Strategies for Effective Use of the PCT

14.2 Continuous Improvement of the PCT System

14.3 Conclusion

14.4 Comments and Feedback