The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

On January 1, 2004, a number of changes went into effect regarding the rules and procedures for filing an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This program describes when to use Chapter I and when to use Chapter II, and how to make use of the new EISPE (Enhanced International Search and Preliminary Examination) system. The differences in approach for patent registration required by a large corporation versus a small company or an individual inventor are also covered.

Strategies for Employing Patent Cooperation Treaty Options
    I. Introduction
    II. Corporate View (Wang)
        A. Why PCT Reform Occurred
        B. What Are Your Needs?
        C. PCT Timeline
        D. Patent Term
        E. Who Files?
        F. Automatic Designation
        G. U.S. or EPO?
        H. Business Method and Telecommunication Cases
        I. Article 19 Amendment
        J. Publication
        K. Chapter I or Chapter II?
        L. If You Chose Chapter II
        M. Article 34 Amendment
        N. Time Extensions
        O. Inventive Step
        P. Article 19 Versus Article 34
        Q. Response to Article 34 Amendment
        R. Need U.S. Patent Fast?
        S. PCT Unknowns
        T. Docketing Questions
        U. Docketing Deadlines
        S. More on Article 34 Amendment
        T. Second Written Opinion
        U. Oral Interview
    III. Private Practioner’s View (Helfgott)
        A. Smaller Clients
        B. Client Interests and Concerns
        C. Classical Route vs. Cheapest Route
        D. PCT or U.S. Filing First?
        E. Search and Examination
        F. When to Choose Chapter II
        G. EISPE System Shortcomings
        H. Filing PCT Only
    IV. Questions and Answers
        A. Copies to Search Authority
        B. Chapter II Work Product
        C. Chap. II Interview Process
        D. Handling Timing Difficulties
        E. USPTO Docket Scheduling
        F. Juggling International and U.S. Applications
    AfterWords^SM
    How to Obtain a Certificate