Geneva: World Intellectual Property Organisation’s international patent system has achieved a significant milestone by publishing its 5 millionth patent application. This achievement highlights decades of efforts to make it more accessible and affordable for inventors to protect and promote their innovations globally.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) allows applicants to file an international patent application in one language and a single currency, thereby seeking protection in over 150 countries simultaneously. This process results in substantial savings in labor and costs, facilitating the global dissemination of human ingenuity for the benefit of all.
The PCT, which began in 1978, recently published its 5 millionth patent application. This landmark filing came from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. for an invention titled ‘Image Processing Device and Image Processing Method,’ which aims to stabilize photographic images, resulting in clearer mobile phone pictures.
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irector General Daren Tang remarked on the PCT’s role in spreading crucial inventions across borders, including technologies like Bluetooth, robots, internet architecture, mobile phones, CRISPR, vaccines, and electric vehicles. He emphasized the PCT’s importance as a tool for innovators to secure patent protection in multiple countries and reiterated WIPO’s commitment to supporting applicants and potential new users worldwide.
Tang also noted the significance of the 5 millionth patent application originating from the Republic of Korea, a country that has leveraged innovation and technology to transform its economy in parallel with the PCT’s operations. He highlighted that intellectual property-driven innovation is a key driver of human progress, as demonstrated by Korea’s achievements.
