Protection of Patents and Utility Models Abroad
Patents are industrial property rights that are valid within the borders of the country in which they are granted. A patent or utility model application made in Turkey only provides protection within the borders of Turkey. However, there are different application methods for those who wish to secure international protection.
1. Application Methods for Patent Protection Abroad
There are two main application methods for those who want to protect their patent rights internationally:
✅ Individual Applications:
Applications are made individually in accordance with the patent legislation of each country. Since it is necessary to comply with the specific regulations of each country, the process can be complex.
✅ Regional (Community) Applications:
Applications made through regional organizations provide patent protection in multiple countries. This method is less costly and easier to manage.
2. Regional (Community) Patent Applications
✅ PCT Application (Patent Cooperation Treaty)
It is a system valid in more than 150 countries.
The application is made through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
It allows simultaneous application in all member countries and simplifies the process.
✅ EP Application (European Patent - European Patent Office - EPO)
It is a system applied through the European Patent Office (EPO).
Protection is granted in EPO member countries with a single application.
After the application, registration is completed in selected countries, and national patent status is acquired.
✅ OAPI UNION Patent Application (African Intellectual Property Organization - OAPI)
It provides patent protection in 17 countries in West and Central Africa.
With a single application, it is valid in all member countries.
✅ GCC Patent Application (Gulf Cooperation Council - GCC)
It is a system valid in the Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates).
Protection is granted in all member countries with a single application.
✅ ARIPO Patent Application (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization - ARIPO)
It is a system that provides protection in more than 20 countries in East and Southern Africa.
Its headquarters are in Zimbabwe, and it is valid in member countries with a single application.
✅ Eurasian Patent Application (Eurasian Patent Organization - EAPO)
It is a patent system valid in 8 countries, such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Azerbaijan.
Patent protection can be obtained in these countries with a single application.
Protect Your Patents Abroad with Başalan Patent!
As Başalan Patent Limited Company, with over 30 years of experience and a team of experts, we provide professional services in patent applications, international protection, and intellectual property management both in Turkey and worldwide. We are ISO 9001:2008 certified.