Author: Aindrila Mitra

Filing a patent in China can feel like stepping into a maze. You’ve already done the hard work of building something new, protecting it at home, and maybe even filing a PCT application. But when it’s time to enter China—the world’s largest patent market—small mistakes can cost you everything. Why Translation Quality Decides Your Fate…

If you’ve ever tried to move your patent from an idea to protection across Europe, you’ve probably felt that mix of excitement and confusion. The European Patent Office (EPO) is one of the most powerful patent systems in the world—but it’s also one of the most detail-heavy. Every step, every form, and every deadline matters.…

When your international patent application starts to take shape, there’s one moment that really matters — the US national phase. It’s where your big idea crosses from global filing into the U.S. system, and where the details can make or break your patent protection. Understanding the US National Phase and Why It Matters When your…

When your startup files a PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application, you’ve bought yourself time — but not forever. About 30 months after your first filing, you’ll face a big decision: where in the world do you actually want patent protection? What the National Phase Really Means (and Why It Matters for Startups) The term “national…

Filing a patent can feel like standing in front of a giant cash register that won’t stop ringing. Every step—drafting, filing, translations, office actions—seems to come with another fee. For founders and inventors working across borders, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) process can look even scarier. It’s global. It’s long. And yes—it can get expensive…

If you’ve filed a PCT application and you’re now staring down the long road of national phase entry, you’re probably wondering one thing: how do I speed this up? The Patent Prosecution Highway — or PPH — is the shortcut most inventors never realize they can take. It’s one of those quiet, behind-the-scenes tools that…

When you file a patent through the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty), everything seems smooth—until you hit something called a “lack of unity” objection. Suddenly, your clean application turns into a maze of restrictions, extra fees, and confusing examiner notes. For many founders, this moment feels like hitting a wall. What “Unity of Invention” Really Means…

If your invention involves DNA, RNA, or protein sequences, you’ve probably heard about ST.26—the new global rule that changed how biotech patent applications handle sequence listings. For many inventors and startup teams, this update feels like one more complex hurdle between discovery and protection. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be complicated. What…

Filing an international patent doesn’t have to be a maze of paperwork, waiting, and worry. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) built the ePCT system to make it easier for inventors, startups, and patent professionals to handle international filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). But here’s the thing: while ePCT makes things faster and…