Is a national patent useful for a subsequent international application?

Question

If I apply for a patent in just one European country, is there a way to later expand the patent over different countries? Can I use the priority date from the national patent for the application in other countries or a European patent?

or

Answers: 2 public & 1 private

Brian chandler
Translator

If you believe you will file in other countries, a PCT application is your best option rather than filing in just one European country. Although it is more expensive than a national filing, a PCT application will grant protection in up to 148 countries. However, you will need to eventually file for specific country/region protection no later than 30 months after the earliest filing date of your initial application.

Recent questions