First steps to a more open PCT
To introduce Managing IP’s annual PCT?Survey, Simon Crompton and Peter Leung explain how patent owners should make use of the PCT’s new third-party observation system
The first three months of the new crowd-sourcing programme at the PCT
have gone well. As of September 13, there had been 15 third-party
observations. That may not seem like a lot out of around 30,000 patent
applications, but it is roughly in line with countries such as the UK
and EPO that run similar programmes. And WIPO hasn't really started
shouting about it yet.
The programme allows third parties to electronically submit
observations on PCT applications, including references to relevant prior
art. The system, which went live in July, is connected to the
Patentscope search service. Michael Richardson, deputy director of the
PCT business development division at WIPO (right), says that this makes
it easier for the public to find new applications and to submit their
observations accordingly.
"The main goal of the system is to improve the quality of the search
information that comes out of the...
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