PCT Route

Patent Cooperation Treaty

The Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT), administered by the International Bureau of WIPO (IB), is an international treaty to facilitate patent protection for an invention in several countries simultaneously through one application with a single office.

To be eligible for filing an international application under PCT directly with IPOS, you must be a resident or national of Singapore. In any case, possession of a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment is considered residence in that State. For more information, please refer to Guidelines for the Determination of a Real and Effective Industrial or Commercial Establishment [PDF, 141 KB].

You may electronically file an international application using ePCT, which is an electronic filing service implemented by WIPO.

For more information on how to register and get started on ePCT, please refer to WIPO's FAQs, Step-by-step Process For New Users, and User Guide.

For more information on PCT fees and options for International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authorities, please go to PCT Forms and Fees.

Note: IPOS accepts Chinese as a language for PCT international applications. A final search report can also be issued in Chinese if you select IPOS as an International Searching and Preliminary Examination Authority.

Summary of the international application procedure:

Depending on the complexity of the invention, it may take about 2 to 4 years for a patent application to be granted.

Learn about applying for a patent in Singapore under the Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT).