ABSTRACT
The PCT system is an attractive alternate to multiple national filings until validity or patentability is established. As a result, PCT filings increased by more than 14% between 2000 and 2001 with more than 100,000 PCT applications filed in 2001. Annual PCT filings originating from the U.S. represent about 40% of all PCT filings worldwide. The number of PCT Contracting States is currently 115. Expansion of PCT filing opportunities continues in other ways as well (e.g., designations for Eurasian patents, extension of European patents to certain States).
