Question
If I file for patent protection in the United States, does this make it easier to gain patent protection in other countries? Due to financial constraints, it does not seem realistic for us (startup, Cambridge MA) to apply for a patent in multiple jurisdictions. Can we still gain some advantage by registering in the US?
Answers: 3 public & 1 private
The real question is how to manage time versus money and maximize the "bang for the buck" - in other words how to preserve maximum IP rights with limited start-up resources. There are several strategies that you may consider: (i) file only a PCT application and not the US to start with, this is a bit more expensive than US-only but preserves world-wide rights at least for some considerable time; (ii) file US now and PCT in 12 months, this will be less expensive now but in 12 months plan to spend more $$, or (iii) file a provisional US application now and then expand to PCT in 12 months. The last one is a least expensive way to proceed but you need a very comprehensive provisional specification to make it meaningful.
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