Patents
Increased usage of PCT international patent applications
July 17, 2019
Recently released figures have shown yet another year-on-year increase in the use of the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) system with the number of PCT international patent applications filed in 2018 reaching around 253,000.
This represents the ninth consecutive year of growth of PCT usage. Altogether, about 3.7 million PCT applications have been filed since the PCT System became operational in 1978. Over the past 40 years, PCT filings have grown every year except for 2009, when the global financial crisis led to an economic downturn.
The UK is one of the top 10 PCT filing countries and holds on to its 7th place. The US remains the biggest filer closely followed by China.
WIPO’s latest PCT yearly review – 2019 edition - can be found here.
Swindell & Pearson has extensive experience of the PCT system and of helping clients obtain patent protection around the world. Please contact us should you be interested in finding out more about seeking patent protection abroad.
If you have any questions concerning this or would like any further information, please get in touch with your usual contact at Swindell & Pearson Ltd or Martin Terry at [email protected]
Martin Terry
IP Director