Author: Aindrila Mitra

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…

When you’re filing an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), you’ll quickly find that the process gives you more flexibility than most national filings. But with that flexibility comes a critical question every inventor or startup founder faces sooner or later: when and how should you amend your claims? How Article 19…

There’s a moment in every startup journey when demand starts to whisper. Not scream. Not explode. Just whisper. You see it in small signs—users sticking around, investors asking sharper questions, competitors suddenly paying attention. That’s when founders face one of the trickiest choices in business: how hard should you lean into demand? Seeing the Signs:…

When you receive your PCT search report and written opinion, it can feel overwhelming, but this moment is where smart founders separate themselves from the rest. The report isn’t a rejection—it’s a preview, a chance to see how your invention compares to existing technology before spending big money filing in different countries. Understanding What Your…

When you file a PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application, you’ll face one big decision that can quietly shape everything that follows — which International Searching Authority (ISA) or International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) you choose. What Your ISA and IPEA Actually Do — And Why They Matter More Than You Think When you file a…