About the Patent Cooperation Treaty Glossary

This glossary is provided by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The WIPO is dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible international intellectual property (IP) system, which rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development while safeguarding the public interest.

It is hoped that this glossary will be a useful tool for Offices and applicants in understanding the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) and drafting or translating PCT documentation.  All terms are defined or explained in the context of the PCT.

The original PCT glossary holds links to selected references, such as references to "Articles" are to those of the PCT, to "Rules" are to those of the Regulations under the PCT, to "Sections" are to those of the Administrative Instructions under the PCT.  For complete information please visit the PCT Glossary page.