Can I also protect my patent internationally?
April 5, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Günther Schenkenberg
Dear Sir or Madam,
my name is Phillip Bauer and I am the inventor of a novel product for which I have applied for a patent in Germany. Now I am wondering whether it is possible to protect my patent internationally.
Background information:
My product has great potential in the global market and I want to ensure that it is protected from imitation and theft. So far, I have only applied for a patent in Germany, but I am unsure if this protection applies in other countries.
Current situation:
Currently, I only have the German patent and I am concerned that my product could easily be copied without international protection. I want to prevent others from benefiting from my invention without owning the appropriate rights.
My concerns:
I am worried that without international protection, my invention is not adequately secured and others may be able to use it without paying appropriately. Additionally, I am concerned that I may not be able to fully exploit the global market for my product if it is not protected in other countries.
Question:
Could you please provide information on whether and how it is possible to protect my patent internationally? What steps do I need to take and what costs will be involved? Are there any specific regulations or agreements that can help me secure my product worldwide?
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Phillip Bauer
Dear Mr. Bauer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the international protection of your patent. It is understandable that you are concerned about how to protect your invention from imitation and theft in the global market. I am happy to provide you with detailed information on this matter.
To protect your patent internationally, you have the option of either filing separate patents in different countries or obtaining protection through what is known as an international patent. The latter is made possible through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
By filing an international patent through the PCT process, you can apply for protection in multiple countries simultaneously. It allows you to decide within a period of 30 months from the filing date in your home country, which countries you actually want to claim protection in. This offers the advantage of initially avoiding the costs of filing in multiple countries and only later deciding in which countries protection is actually needed.
The costs for the international patent application may vary depending on the scope and number of countries in which you wish to apply for protection. It is advisable to seek advice from an experienced patent attorney to clarify the exact costs and steps involved.
In addition to the PCT process, there are also various international agreements such as the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property or the European Patent Convention, which govern the protection of patents in different countries. These agreements can help ensure the protection of your invention on a global scale.
In conclusion, it is indeed possible to protect your patent internationally. I recommend that you contact a specialized patent attorney to discuss the exact steps and costs for the international patent application. They can provide you with comprehensive advice and support in securing your patent in the global market.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Günther Schenkenberg
