International (PCT) patent applications

What is an international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent application?

The PCT system allows you to start your patent application in several countries with just one application. Instead of multiple national or regional applications, you can file one international application.

PCT is a centralised application system, and it does not result in an international patent. The application is submitted to a Receiving Office (RO), where a novelty search is carried out for it. After the international phase, you can enter the national or regional phase in the selected PCT countries. The outcome is not a global patent, but a number of separate national or regional patents.

PCT in a nutshell

One application – possibility to apply for patent protection in over 150 countries.
Gives more time and flexibility for filing national patent applications.
Enables postponement of costs.
Does not result in an international patent, but in national or regional patents.

Who can file a PCT application and who can use the PCT application system?

In Finland, the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) acts as the RO and examining authority for PCT applications. You can file an international patent application with the PRH if you are a Finnish citizen or if your place of residence is in Finland. If an application has multiple applicants, it is sufficient that only one of the applicants meets this requirement.

PCT is widely used by large corporations, research institutes, universities, small and medium-sized enterprises, and private inventors. The PCT application system is excellent for companies or inventors who want to expand their business globally and protect their inventions comprehensively.

The PCT application system is based on the international Patent Cooperation Treaty, to which 158 countries, including Finland, have acceded (status in 2026). The treaty entered into force in 1978. The system is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Do I need a representative (patent attorney or agent)?

We recommend that you appoint a representative (a patent attorney or agent), although it is not compulsory. The PCT procedure includes a number of deadlines, and it may harm your application if you miss them. Finnish applicants can handle the international phase themselves. In most countries, however, you must have a local representative for the national phase. Using an expert in the field can save you a lot of trouble.

PRH as a Receiving Office (RO)

A PCT application can be filed via the PRH. In this case, we act as a RO, and first check that your application meets the formal requirements. Other offices where you can file a PCT application are the International Bureau of WIPO (IB) and the European Patent Office (EPO). The application must be submitted in compliance with the PCT formal requirements, and the applicant must pay the necessary fees.

When you choose the PRH as the RO, you can file your application in Finnish, Swedish, or English. An application in Finnish or Swedish has to be translated into English later on. Please note that the PCT application form has to be filled out in English.

The deadline for a translation depends on which office you choose as the searching authority. If you choose us as the searching authority, you must file a translation within 14 months of the priority date.