NOTICE:  The information below, just as all of the information on this website, is not guaranteed to be accurate.  You need to contact a patent attorney and/or the patent office of your country prior to filing any patent application in a foreign country to ensure you are complying with the law.

Countries That Require Foreign Filing Receipts

The following countries require a foreign filing receipt or foreign filing permit prior to filing a patent application in a foreign country:

  • Canada (only for Canadian government employees)
  • China (Article 20 of the Chinese Patent Law, Article 398 of the Chinese Criminal Law, and Rule 8 of the implementing regulations)
  • Germany (Section 52 of the German Patent Act)
  • France (Articles L. 614-18 and 614-20 of the French Patent Law)
  • India
  • Russia
  • South Korea (only for defense related inventions)
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom (UK Patents Act 2004, Section 7)
  • United States (35 U.S.C. 184)

  
Countries That Appear to Not Require Foreign Filing Receipts

  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Ireland
  • Japan
  • Mexico
  • New Zealand
  • Saudi Arabia (United Emirates)
  • Taiwan

Again, check with a patent attorney and/or the patent office in your country of residence prior to filing a patent application in a foreign country to ensure you are complying with the laws of your country.