1 World Intellectual Property Organization PCT-SAFE Preparing PCT Applications Electronically South Africa, February 5-9, 2007

2 Agenda Introduction to PCT-SAFE Preparing and filing a PCT-SAFE application

3 PCT-SAFE: Mission Statement To develop and make available to all PCT applicants and Offices an electronic filing system that is: –safe (can be used with confidence) –convenient (user friendly), cost effective, efficient, widely accessible –conducive to simple filing of PCT compliant applications –based upon agreed standards –interoperable with other electronic filing software used by patent applicants and offices –an attractive and widely used alternative to paper based filing

4 What is PCT-SAFE? PCT-SAFE : Secure Applications Filed Electronically System for the preparation and submission of entire PCT international applications in electronic form based on a legal framework and technical standard (Part 7 and Annex F of the Administrative Instructions Under the PCT) Multilingual (7 publication languages) Fee reductions available to users

5 PCT: Types of filing –Paper: all documents on paper accompanied by form PCT/RO/101 –PCT-SAFE (PCT-EASY): all documents on paper accompanied by PCT-EASY request form and physical medium –PCT-SAFE fully electronic: request, text and drawings filed on-line or on physical medium, no paper required

6 PCT-SAFE overview: facts and figures PCT-EASY filing possible since January 1999 (as part of PCT-SAFE January 2004) PCT-EASY type filings accepted by more than 70 receiving Offices, including RO/ZA (61%) PCT-SAFE fully electronic filing possible with RO/IB since February 2004, currently 18 e-filing offices Fully electronic and PCT-EASY type filings currently account for 56% of all PCT filings –at RO/IB (October 2006): PCT-EASY filings 12%, fully electronic 53%, paper only filings 35% More than 11,000 registered users worldwide

7 Validation function (automatic formality check) Missing indications mandatory for according an int’l filing date Incomplete or erroneous indications also mandatory for the according of int’l filing date or other obvious error Missing indications, the omission of which could prompt further communication from the RO Incomplete or erroneous indications which could prompt further communication from the RO No indication required, but applicant should, all the same, evaluate the need to make such indications A reminder questioning the need for indications or verification The indications appear to be in order “Traffic lights” assist in completing request form data:

8 PCT-SAFE: E-filing components (1) PCT-SAFE Editor PCT-SAFE Client Software PCT-SAFE receiving server PKI services Internet/ physical media

9 PCT-SAFE: E-filing components (2) PCT-SAFE Client –used to create the PCT request form, attach the application documents, digitally sign the application, package and transmit application to RO PCT-SAFE Editor –used to create the application body (description, claims, abstract, drawings) in XML format (optional) PKI Services –industry-recognized digital signatures and security for electronic data PCT-SAFE receiving Server –allows RO to receive, store and print electronically filed PCT applications

10 PCT-SAFE: Benefits (1) Accessibility PCT-SAFE products are available to all users, free of charge Learning tool for filing PCT applications Encourages use of the PCT system Harmonizes technical and legal aspects of patent filing Instant receipt of filing when filed on-line Possible to practice in demo mode

11 PCT-SAFE: Benefits (2) Reduced filing costs (printing, copying and mailing), both in terms of time and money, less paper used Fee reduction XML formatting for the application documents will render the data more searchable and re-usable Digital certificate (for signing and transmitting applications) from WIPO, or use existing certificates that are accepted by the receiving Office

12 PCT-SAFE: Fee reductions PCT-SAFE fee reductions –PCT-EASY type of filing (paper + physical medium) CHF 100 (ZAR 620, USD 78, or equivalent) –Fully electronic type of filing with application body in image format (e.g. PDF, TIFF attachments) CHF 200 (USD 155, or equivalent) –Fully electronic type of filing with application body in character coded format (XML) CHF 300 (USD 233, or equivalent)

13 Using PCT-SAFE: obtaining a digital certificate Request for a digital certificate from RO recognized Certification Authority (CA) CA (WIPO Customer CA or other recognized CA) Digital certificate issued by the CA and stored on user’s computer Digital certificate Signatur e

14 Using PCT-SAFE: PCT-SAFE Editor OR application body.xml preparation of the description, claims, abstract, and drawings in XML format in a single document

15 Using PCT-SAFE: preparing a request form

16 Using PCT-SAFE: Attaching pdf document

17 Using PCT-SAFE: attaching XML application body

18 Using PCT-SAFE: validation 

19 Using PCT-SAFE: signing the application Digital certificate Signatur e

20 Using PCT-SAFE: Submission - online

21 Using PCT-SAFE: Submission - physical media Receiving Office Form PCT/RO/105

22 How to obtain PCT-SAFE: PCT-SAFE Client and PCT-SAFE Editor –download from the PCT-SAFE web site –CD installation from Help Desk WIPO CA digital certificate –obtain through the PCT-SAFE web site Cost –free of charge Supporting Documentation –user guides and e-tutorials available on web site and installation CD

23 For further information: PCT-SAFE Help Desk WIPO 34 chemin des Colombettes 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland tel:(+41-22) fax:(+41-22) internet: