PCT E-filing off to an impressive start

You can now electronically file an international PCT application in any of seven (7) receiving Offices. Importantly, the International Bureau now accepts electronic applications from anyone (.pdf). The WIPO Statistical Indicators Report for July, 2004(.pdf) shows that, to date, a full 9% of international applications filed in 2004 have been filed electronically.

Japan and the United Kingdom are two prominent receiving Offices that accept applications in fully electronic form. Notably, the USPTO does not accept electronic PCT applications yet.

The rate of e-filing in PCT applications is set to rise sharply. It will be interesting to compare the adoption rate of e-filing in the international realm against that in the US. Maybe the fact that electronic filing of PCT applications entitles an applicant to reduced fees will be the difference maker.