International patents
PCT National Phase Entry
National phase entry moves a PCT application into selected national or regional systems. Entry does not itself grant a patent; the application is examined under the law and practice of each selected office.
Reviewed 11 July 2026
Select countries deliberately
Use product markets, manufacturing, competitors, licensing, enforcement, patentability outlook, remaining patent term, and lifetime cost. Entering every available country is rarely a commercially disciplined portfolio strategy.
Deadlines and documents
The deadline is office-specific and often 30 or 31 months from priority. Confirm translations, excess-claim fees, sequence listings, assignment evidence, declarations, agent appointments, and whether voluntary amendments should be filed at entry.
Prosecution after entry
Each office applies its own patentability standards and procedures. Search reports may be considered, but examiners can raise new objections. Track office actions, hearings, annuities, working statements, divisional opportunities, and claim consistency across the family.
Preparation checklist
- Exact priority and entry deadline
- Target offices and local counsel
- Validated translation
- Claim and amendment strategy
- Grant, renewal, and enforcement budget