Hungarian Intellectual Property Office

Glossary of Industrial Property Terms

Patent Cooperation Treaty

This international treaty, which entered into force in 1978, was designed to make the acquisition of a patent simpler, quicker, cheaper and more reliable if patent protection of the same invention is sought for in several countries. The current number of Member States of the Treaty is 137; Hungary has been a party since 1980. Under the Treaty, international applications can be filed, international search and international publication are provided for and the applicant may request the so-called international preliminary examination.