It creates a union for filing, searching, and examining of patent applications, and facilitates filing of national applications in member countries. PCT is a special agreement under the Paris Union, and is open to any country that is a member of the Paris Union. PCT simplifies procedures in filing of patent application in member countries.
Applicant indicates the member states in which protection is desired.
The application is filed with the national patent office of applicant's country of residence or nationality. Relevant prior art consists of all publicly available written disclosures, which may affect novelty and inventiveness. The international application then becomes a national application in the designated member country, which will apply its own substantive patent law. This is optional for the member countries, which may declare themselves not bound by its provisions. Under Chapter II applicants have the discretion to undergo an international preliminary examination and may designate the states where they want their examination sent.