28 Months Later: PCT vs Paris Convention (International Patent Filing Explained)

Planning to sell your invention internationally? You need a global patent strategy, because international filing is complex and expensive.

In this episode, patent attorney Julie King breaks down your options for protecting inventions abroad: the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), Paris Convention direct filing, and regional systems like the European Patent Office.

Learn when each strategy makes sense, the critical deadlines that can destroy your international rights, realistic cost expectations ($40k-$60k+ for 5 countries), and strategic questions to ask before committing to foreign filings.

Key topics covered:

• Why there's no such thing as a "global patent"
• How the PCT buys you time (30 months vs. 12)
• When to use direct foreign filing instead
• Cost breakdowns by filing route and country
• Common mistakes that kill international patent strategies
• Strategic questions: where should you file?

TIMESTAMPS:

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 1:30 - No "global patent" exists
• 2:44 - Three main filing options
• 3:17 - Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) explained
• 7:00 - Paris Convention direct filing
• 7:52 - PCT vs. Paris Convention
• 9:04 - Regional Patent Systems
• 10:06 - Critical deadlines
• 12:41 - Cost breakdown
• 15:55 - Strategic questions
• 17:43 - Common mistakes
• 19:55 - Conclusion

Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.

Full transcript and more resources at ⁠⁠kingpatentlaw.com/blog⁠

Ready to protect your brand and business? Book a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com⁠.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney