For cross-border e-commerce sellers, if they sell unique and novel products, it is recommended to apply for an overseas patent, because this can not only ensure the safety of overseas market operations, but also improve their own intellectual property disadvantages. status. This article will focus on: What are the methods for applying for patents abroad? Hope it can help sellers quickly apply for patent technology.
1. Methods of applying for patents abroad: international PCT treaty and direct application.
(1) Through direct application, cross-border e-commerce sellers can request foreign agencies to apply for product patents or brand patents in the country designated by the seller through domestic agencies (legal agencies or application agencies). In this application process, patent applicants need to submit separate applications and detailed and valid information to the patent offices of each country. After submission for review, the patent offices of these countries will conduct special review and approval of the patent information submitted by the seller. process.
Generally speaking, this review process is relatively old-school and suitable for market areas with a relatively small number of patent applications.
(2) Sellers can apply through PCT. It is also called Patent Cooperation Treaty. This Patent Cooperation Treaty has international benefits and is the product of a cooperation treaty in the field of patents;
In the convention regulations, the PCT clearly stipulates that each member country must cooperate and communicate with each other in patent applications. Submission matters, inspection and search work and review process, etc. Especially when the PCT is applied to cross-border patent applications, this convention regulation can significantly save time and costs.
2. PCT application process.
Generally speaking, the Patent Cooperation Treaty goes through two systems, one is the international system review and the other is the national system review.
In short, the above is an introduction to the method of applying for a patent abroad. If a cross-border e-commerce seller wants to apply for an international trademark or an international patent to improve his weak intellectual property position, he can apply through Patent Cooperation Treaty or applying directly to an agent, both methods can be completed. Among them, Patent Cooperation Treaty is a more international and universal method.