
The PCT system ("Patent Cooperation Treaty"), which is currently celebrating its 47th year in operation, published its 5 millionth PCT application on November 28, 2024, marking a major milestone in the history of the Treaty and WIPO.
The 5 millionth application published was filed by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. The company, based in the Republic of Korea, was the second largest filer under the PCT in 2024, with nearly 4,000 international applications. The invention, for an "Image Processing Device and Image Processing Method" (PCT/KR2024/095488, WO/2024/242518), is designed to stabilize photographic images and produce clearer mobile phone pictures.
"In nearly five decades of operations, WIPO’s PCT has helped spread across borders the great inventions of our times: from Bluetooth to robots, the underlying architecture of the Internet and mobile phones, as well as CRISPR, life-saving vaccines, and today’s electric vehicles," said WIPO Director General Daren Tang. He added: "The PCT is any innovator’s go-to option to secure patent protection in multiple countries. WIPO is vigorously pursuing its PCT mission of supporting applicants and potential new users worldwide in realizing one of the most precious natural resources: human inventiveness."
The PCT system (Patent Cooperation Treaty) has been a great success since its creation, as it allows inventors to file a single patent application for several member countries of the treaty. It simplifies the process of obtaining international patents by streamlining procedures and extending deadlines to decide in which countries to seek patent protection.
(Source: WIPO)
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