How Canadian Businesses Use the PCT to Protect Inventions Internationally

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is a key tool for Canadian applicants who want to protect inventions beyond Canada without immediately filing in dozens of countries. By filing one international application through CIPO or WIPO, innovators secure a single priority date, receive an international search and written opinion, and gain up to 30 months before deciding where to pursue full patent rights, including in Canada’s own national phase.​