(Continuing from post #2)

What if you need more than a year to make these decisions or raise the necessary funds?
That’s where the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) comes in. Filing a PCT application before the end of the one-year Paris Convention window gives you up to 30 months from the original priority date to file in many countries. For example, if your priority date is August 1, 2024, you have until February 1, 2027, to file in those countries—and still benefit from the 2024 date. Plus, you’ll receive a Search Report, which offers valuable feedback on patentability.

Another milestone is publication. Typically, your application will be published around 18 months after your priority date. In some cases, such as an accelerated grant, publication might happen earlier.

Eventually, you’ll face a key decision point: where to seek patent protection. This should not be taken lightly, as significant costs are involved for each country. However, the benefits of exclusivity may far outweigh the investment.

Wishing you clarity and success!