International Patent Treaties

Abstract

Most countries, regardless of their system of government, have some type of patent system. In fact, the People’s Republic of China enacted a patent system that became fully operative in 1985. A comprehensive discussion of the various patent systems in use throughout the world can be found in a publication entitled Manual for the Handling of Applications for Patents, Designs and Trademarks throughout the World (Octrooibureau Los En Stigter-Weteringschans 96, Amsterdam, Holland). This book contains the basic provisions of the laws of each country. Since laws differ significantly from country to country, what can be patented in one may not be available for patenting in another. Also, what constitutes prior art in one country may not be considered prior art according to the laws of another. Although there is no uniformity in the patents laws, a few international treaties grant certain privileges to persons filing in countries that are bound by the treaties.