Filing Patents Internationally - PCT vs Direct National Filing
Once you want protection beyond India, the choice is between the PCT route and filing directly in each country. Both have their place, and the right call depends on how many jurisdictions you need and how settled your strategy is.
The PCT route
A single international application preserves your filing date across all member states and defers the expensive national-phase decisions. It buys time - national phase entry is generally due 30 to 31 months from the priority date - to assess markets and budget before committing.
India national phase
Where India is entered through the PCT, national phase entry and the request for examination both fall due at 31 months from the priority date, so docket them together.
Direct national filing
Filing directly in target countries can be faster and cheaper when you only need one or two jurisdictions, or where local prosecution strategy matters more than deferring cost. It commits you sooner, but without PCT intermediary fees.
Clear the FFL first
For inventions developed in India, foreign filing - whether PCT or direct - requires the Foreign Filing Licence position to be settled before you file abroad.
We map the jurisdictions that matter to your business and choose the route - PCT or direct - that protects them without overspending.
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