PCT Collaborative Search and Examination Pilot

**Update 7/1/2020 - The operational phase of the IP5 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Collaboration Search and Examination (CS&E) pilot concluded on June 30. No new international applications will be accepted into the pilot. See details here.**

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) makes it possible to seek patent protection for an invention simultaneously in a large number of countries by filing a single “international” patent application instead of filing several separate national or regional patent applications. The granting of patents remains under the control of the national or regional patent offices in what is called the “national phase.” The PCT Collaborative Search and Examination Pilot (CS&E) improves international worksharing further by streamlining examination and search procedures for patent examiners in multiple countries.

 

 

Resources

Contact us

  • Michael Neas, Deputy Director of International Patent Legal Administration
  • Jessica Patterson, Director of International Worksharing Planning and Implementation