My new invention will be marketed heavily in Japan. Can I file a patent application overseas before filing in the U.S.?
A. You will need a Foreign Filing License (FFL) to file a patent application outside the United States. The FFL is a type of export license. You can seek an FFL prior to filing a patent application outside the U.S . However, a simple way to obtain an FFL is to file your patent application in the U.S. before filing outside the U.S. Soon after the new patent application is filed in the U.S., it will be reviewed for granting of an FFL. While patent applications on most technologies are granted FFLs, applications on technologies that might affect national security (such as munitions, certain chemicals, and biological materials) may be denied an FFL.
A. You will need a Foreign Filing License (FFL) to file a patent application outside the United States. The FFL is a type of export license. You can seek an FFL prior to filing a patent application outside the U.S. However, a simple way to obtain an FFL is to file your patent application in the U.S. before filing outside the U.S. Soon after the new patent application is filed in the U.S., it will be reviewed for granting of an FFL. While patent applications on most technologies are granted FFLs, applications on technologies that might affect national security (such as munitions, certain chemicals, and biological materials) may be denied an FFL.
Related Questions
- All I need to do to file a provisional patent application is file a picture of my invention along with a short description, right?
- Can I discuss the details of my invention with a potential investor before filing a patent application?
- What are requirements for filing an invention patent application in China?
