Congratulations! You've got a brilliant invention buzzing in your head, but the vast world of patents might seem daunting. Fear not! Understanding the different types of applications and where you can file them is your first step toward securing your intellectual property.

Let us understand different types of patent applications.

A provisional application is filed when an invention is still in the developmental stage and has not been finalized. It provides an early filing date, preventing related inventions from being designated as prior art to the inventor's application.

Non-Provisional Application (also called Ordinary or Complete application): This type of application is filed when there is no priority claim, or if the application is not filed in pursuit of any preceding convention application. It can include a complete specification filed through direct filing or subsequent filing after the corresponding provisional specification within one year.

Convention Application: A convention application is filed to claim priority based on a similar application filed in any of the convention countries. To take advantage of the convention, an applicant must apply to the patent office within a year from the date of the initial filing of a similar application in the convention country. This entitles the applicant to claim priority in all convention countries.

PCT International Application: The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) international application streamlines the patent application process in multiple countries simultaneously. While it does not provide an international patent grant, it simplifies the process for subsequent national phase applications in 150+ countries.

PCT National Phase Entry Application: This application is the stage in the patent process where an international patent application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) transitions into the national phase in chosen countries. This involves filing formal patent applications in individual countries within a specified timeframe, typically 30 or 31 months from the priority date, and fulfilling any requirements set by each national patent office.

Divisional Application: An applicant may choose to divide an application into two or more applications if a particular application claims more than one invention. The priority date for these applications remains the same as that of the parent application.

Continuation-in-Part (CIP) Application: This application allows an inventor to add new matter to a pending patent application while maintaining the benefit of the original filing date for common subject matter. These kinds of applications may also be known as "patent of addition" in countries like India, referring to their ability to incorporate new material into an existing patent application while retaining the original filing date.

When it comes to filing patent applications, applicants can choose from various filing locations, including national patent offices, regional patent offices, and international patent organizations. Each filing location offers distinct advantages and considerations, depending on factors such as the desired scope of protection, cost-effectiveness, and procedural requirements.

Domestic or Local Filing: You can file a patent application in your home country's patent office, typically where the invention was created or where you plan to market it initially.This option provides direct protection in your primary market and ensures compliance with local patent laws and regulations

International Filing: For inventors seeking global protection, international filing options are available. The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) allows you to file a single international patent application that can be pursued in multiple countries.

Additionally, regional patent offices offer filing options for specific geographic areas, such as the European Patent Office (EPO) for Europe.

In summary, patent applications come in various forms, each tailored to protect different aspects of inventions. By understanding the types of patent applications available and the differences between the filing locations, you can strategically navigate the patent process and secure robust protection for your innovative ideas on a global scale.