The Ultimate Patent Guide
Your Patent Playbook & Answers to 100+ FAQs The Ultimate
Patent Guide
Your Patent Playbook & Answers to 100+ FAQs

Is there a worldwide or global patent?

Patents are territorial, meaning protection applies only in the country where it is granted and hence there is no worldwide or global patent.
Patents are granted by individual governments or patent offices within a country or region, and their scope of protection is limited to the jurisdiction where they are granted. For example, a patent granted by the US Patent Office (or USPTO) provides protection within the United States. In contrast, a patent granted by the Indian Patent Office protects your idea only within India.

Here is a quick breakdown of why there are no global patents:

  1. National Laws: Each country has its own patent laws and procedures.
  2. Independent Offices: Patent applications are examined and granted by national or regional patent offices.
  3. Focus on National Interests: Patents are often used to encourage domestic innovation and economic growth.
To obtain patent protection in multiple countries, you need to file separate patent applications in each desired country or region. This process can be complex and costly, involving different application procedures and examination standards for each jurisdiction.
Alternatively, inventors may choose to file an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which provides a unified application process but does not result in a global patent. Instead, the PCT application serves as a centralized filing mechanism, allowing applicants to seek patent protection in multiple countries by entering the national or regional phase of the patent application process within designated timeframes.
Ultimately, the decision to seek patent protection in multiple countries depends on factors such as market potential, business strategy, and budget considerations.
While obtaining patents in multiple jurisdictions can offer broader protection and market access, it also entails additional costs and administrative burdens. Therefore, you should carefully evaluate their options and seek professional advice to develop an effective patent strategy that aligns with your business goals and resources.

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FAQ 04

How much does
it cost to
file a patent?

FAQ 05

How long does
it take to
get a patent?

FAQ 06

Do I need
a patent attorney
to file a patent?

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