Business Degree Certification Practice Test

Which treaties govern international patent protection?

1. Paris Convention and Trademark Treaty

2. Paris Convention and Patent Cooperation Treaty

3. Patent Cooperation Treaty and International Patent Patrol

4. European Patent Convention and Patent Treaty

The correct answer is: Paris Convention and Patent Cooperation Treaty

The Paris Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) are two fundamental treaties that establish and govern international patent protection. The Paris Convention, first established in 1883, provides a framework for the protection of industrial property, including patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. It lays down essential principles such as the right of priority, which allows an applicant to file for patents in other member countries within a specified time frame after filing in their home country, securing their original filing date. The Patent Cooperation Treaty complements the Paris Convention by facilitating the process of obtaining patents internationally. Established in 1970, the PCT allows an applicant to file a single international application that can then be recognized by over 150 contracting states. This streamlines the process and reduces the complexity and costs involved when seeking patent protection in multiple countries. The other options include agreements that either do not specifically address patent protection or do not pertain to international treaties governing patents. Hence, the combination of the Paris Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty is the correct foundation for understanding international patent protection.