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World Intellectual Property Organization

PCT-SAFEPreparing PCT Applications Electronically

South Africa, February 5-9, 2007

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Agenda

• Introduction to PCT-SAFE

• Preparing and filing a PCT-SAFE application

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PCT-SAFE: Mission Statement

To develop and make available to all PCT applicants and Offices an electronic filing system that is:

– safe (can be used with confidence) – convenient (user friendly), cost effective, efficient,

widely accessible – conducive to simple filing of PCT compliant

applications – based upon agreed standards – interoperable with other electronic filing software used

by patent applicants and offices – an attractive and widely used alternative to paper

based filing

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What is PCT-SAFE?

• PCT-SAFE : Secure Applications Filed Electronically

• System for the preparation and submission of entire PCT international applications in electronic form based on a legal framework and technical standard (Part 7 and Annex F of the Administrative Instructions Under the PCT)

• Multilingual (7 publication languages) • Fee reductions available to users

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PCT: Types of filing

– Paper: all documents on paper accompanied by form PCT/RO/101

– PCT-SAFE (PCT-EASY): all documents on paper accompanied by PCT-EASY request form and physical medium

– PCT-SAFE fully electronic: request, text and drawings filed on-line or on physical medium, no paper required

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PCT-SAFE overview: facts and figures

• PCT-EASY filing possible since January 1999 (as part of PCT-SAFE January 2004)

• PCT-EASY type filings accepted by more than 70 receiving Offices, including RO/ZA (61%)

• PCT-SAFE fully electronic filing possible with RO/IB since February 2004, currently 18 e-filing offices

• Fully electronic and PCT-EASY type filings currently account for 56% of all PCT filings – at RO/IB (October 2006):

PCT-EASY filings 12%, fully electronic 53%, paper only filings 35%

• More than 11,000 registered users worldwide

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Validation function (automatic formality check)

Missing indications mandatory for according an int’l filing dateIncomplete or erroneous indications also mandatory for the according of int’l filing date or other obvious errorMissing indications, the omission of which could prompt further communication from the ROIncomplete or erroneous indications which could prompt further communication from the RONo indication required, but applicant should, all the same, evaluate the need to make such indicationsA reminder questioning the need for indications or verificationThe indications appear to be in order

“Traffic lights” assist in completing request form data:

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PCT-SAFE: E-filing components (1)

PCT-SAFE Editor

PCT-SAFE Client

Software

PCT-SAFE

receiving server

PKI service

s

Internet/physical

media

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PCT-SAFE: E-filing components (2)

• PCT-SAFE Client– used to create the PCT request form, attach the

application documents, digitally sign the application, package and transmit application to RO

• PCT-SAFE Editor– used to create the application body (description,

claims, abstract, drawings) in XML format (optional)

• PKI Services– industry-recognized digital signatures and security for

electronic data

• PCT-SAFE receiving Server– allows RO to receive, store and print electronically filed

PCT applications

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PCT-SAFE: Benefits (1)

• Accessibility• PCT-SAFE products are available to all

users, free of charge• Learning tool for filing PCT applications• Encourages use of the PCT system• Harmonizes technical and legal aspects

of patent filing • Instant receipt of filing when filed

on-line• Possible to practice in demo mode

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PCT-SAFE: Benefits (2)

• Reduced filing costs (printing, copying and mailing), both in terms of time and money, less paper used

• Fee reduction• XML formatting for the application

documents will render the data more searchable and re-usable

• Digital certificate (for signing and transmitting applications) from WIPO, or use existing certificates that are accepted by the receiving Office

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PCT-SAFE: Fee reductions

PCT-SAFE fee reductions– PCT-EASY type of filing (paper + physical medium)

CHF 100 (ZAR 620, USD 78, or equivalent)– Fully electronic type of filing with application body in

image format (e.g. PDF, TIFF attachments)CHF 200 (USD 155, or equivalent)

– Fully electronic type of filing with application body in character coded format (XML)CHF 300 (USD 233, or equivalent)

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Using PCT-SAFE: obtaining a digital certificate

Request for a digital certificate from RO recognized Certification Authority (CA)

CA(WIPO Customer CA or other recognized CA)

Digital certificate issued by the CA and stored on user’s computer

Digital certificate

010101010101010101010

Signature

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Using PCT-SAFE: PCT-SAFE Editor

OR

application body.xml

preparation of the description, claims, abstract, and drawings in XML format in a single document

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Using PCT-SAFE: preparing a request form

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Using PCT-SAFE: Attaching pdf document

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Using PCT-SAFE: attaching XML application body

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Using PCT-SAFE: validation

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Using PCT-SAFE: signing the application

Digital certificate

010101010101010101010

Signature

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Using PCT-SAFE: Submission - online

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Using PCT-SAFE: Submission - physical media

Receiving Office

FormPCT/RO/105

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How to obtain PCT-SAFE:

• PCT-SAFE Client and PCT-SAFE Editor– download from the PCT-SAFE web site – CD installation from Help Desk

• WIPO CA digital certificate– obtain through the PCT-SAFE web site

• Cost– free of charge

• Supporting Documentation– user guides and e-tutorials available on

web site and installation CD

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For further information:

PCT-SAFE Help Desk WIPO34 chemin des Colombettes 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerlandtel: (+41-22) 338 95 23 fax: (+41-22) 338 80 40e-mail: pctsafe.help@wipo.int

internet: http://www.wipo.int/pct-safe