Author: Aindrila Mitra

When you build software or AI, you move fast. You ship updates, test models, fix bugs, and push new versions every week. But when it comes to patents, the world moves slower. Different countries follow different rules, and protecting something as complex as code or a machine-learning system can feel overwhelming. That’s where the PCT—short…

When you bring a PCT application into the national phase, the real strategy game begins. Every region—US, Europe, China, Japan, and Korea—treats divisional applications in its own way. Some give you room to breathe. Others lock the door fast. And if you don’t understand these rules early, you can lose protection for parts of your…

When you build something new, you don’t want surprises. You don’t want to pour months of work into an invention only to learn—too late—that your claims run straight into someone else’s territory. This is why smart founders use the International Search Report, or ISR, as early as possible. It’s like having a flashlight before entering…

When you move your patent into the national phase, everything suddenly feels real. Deadlines get tight. Costs get loud. And translations—something most founders never think about—can make or break your whole patent strategy. So let’s make this simple, clear, and useful, without any legal noise or hand-waving. Why Translation Quality Changes Your Patent Outcome When…

Getting a patent in Korea can feel confusing when you first look at it. KIPO has its own rules, its own timing, and its own way of checking your invention. But once you understand how the system moves, you realize something surprising: Korea can actually be one of the fastest and most founder-friendly places to…

When you bring a PCT application into Japan, the process can feel slow, strict, and a little mysterious. The Japan Patent Office is known for careful review, detailed rules, and a style of examination that can surprise founders who are used to the faster pace of building products. But Japan is also one of the…

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…