Patent Cooperation Treaty: An Overview

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is an international treaty with more than 145 contracting states, which allows for an easy and simplified procedure for the filing of patent applications. The procedure should not be confused with the patent granting system, which remains in the hands of the national or regional patent offices exclusively. The PCT procedure is comprehensive and includes

Filing: filing of an international application with a national or regional patent office or WIPO that complies with PCT formality requirements in one single language, and a single set of fees

International search: "International Searching Authority" (ISA) (one of the world's major patent offices) compares the technical literature ("prior art") that may influence the patent in question, and help determine whether the invention itself is patentable.

International publication: as soon as is possible after the end of the 18 month period from the earliest filing date, the content of the international publication is made public.

Supplementary International Search: a second ISA, at the request of the applicant, looks into materials that may not have been found by the first ISA due to the diversity of languages as well as prior art.

International Preliminary Examination: at the request of the applicant, another ISA conducts another additional patent-ability analysis, often on an amended version of the application

National Phase: following the PCT procedure, usually around 30 months from the earliest filing date of the initial application (from which priority is claimed), the grant of the patent directly before the national or regional patent office where the patent is desired, is pursued.

The PCT India or any other patent office will have the final say in whether the patent is granted. Therefore, a patent law firm in India gives valuable advice and assistance in filing the patent application.

Trademark Registration: A Mandate to Keep Your Company’s Identity Secure

Why is a trade mark required?

Any new business aspires to make its presence felt as soon as possible. Therefore, three elements are usually required: an appropriate mark, good product quality, and proper marketing of the brand.

The importance of a mark or a brand to a business cannot be overstated. Thus, the safety of the brand and the trade mark becomes vital.

The brand gives a buyer a buyer a memorable way to remember the brand and keep a product in mind. It also helps with word of mouth publicity, which may seem to be small, but going by current marketing trends, it is not an understatement to say that word of mouth is the most effective marketing method. Many good law firms provide expert guidance for logo registration in Mumbai.

Importance of trademark registration

When a company registers its trade mark, it silently marks its authoritative and legal presence in the market. It allows a brand to maintain its goodwill, and keeps it safe as no other company can use that mark. On the other hand, a product with no registered brand name is always at risk of its goodwill being hijacked by fraudulent brands. Therefore, in case of any marketing activity or a promotional campaign a brand with a registered brand name can do well. A registered trade mark is always a good investment.

Many reputed law firms specialize in trademark registration in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Getting in touch with them will help to register a trademark in a foolproof manner.