For inventors and businesses seeking to protect their intellectual property, knowing where to file patent applications is crucial. In this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive list of patent office locations and addresses from around the globe, making it easier for you to navigate the complex world of international patent protection.
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
The USPTO is the federal agency responsible for granting patents and registering trademarks in the United States. It has several offices across the country:
- Headquarters: 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
- Detroit Office: 300 River Place Drive, Suite 2900, Detroit, MI 48207
- Denver Office: 1961 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80294
- Silicon Valley Office: 26 S. Fourth Street, San Jose, CA 95113
- Dallas Office: 207 S. Houston Street, Suite 159, Dallas, TX 75202
European Patent Office (EPO)
The EPO is the patent office for the European Patent Organisation, an intergovernmental organization that grants European patents for its member states. It has several offices across Europe:
- Main Office: Bob-van-Benthem-Platz 1, 80469 Munich, Germany
- The Hague Office: Patentlaan 2, 2288 EE Rijswijk, Netherlands
- Berlin Office: Gitschiner Str. 103, 10969 Berlin, Germany
- Vienna Office: Rennweg 12, 1030 Vienna, Austria
Japan Patent Office (JPO)
The JPO is the patent office of Japan, responsible for industrial property rights, including patents, utility models, designs, and trademarks.
- Address: 3-4-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8915, Japan
China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)
Formerly known as the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), CNIPA is the patent office of the People’s Republic of China.
- Address: No. 6, Xitucheng Road, Jimenqiao, Haidian District, Beijing 100088, People’s Republic of China
Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO)
KIPO is the patent office of South Korea, responsible for patents, utility models, trademarks, and industrial designs.
- Address: Government Complex-Daejeon, 189, Cheongsa-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon, 35208, Republic of Korea
Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
- Address: Place du Portage I, 50 Victoria Street, Room C-229, Gatineau, QC K1A 0C9, Canada
United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO)
- Address: Concept House, Cardiff Road, Newport, South Wales, NP10 8QQ, United Kingdom
German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA)
- Address: Zweibrückenstr. 12, 80331 München, Germany
Intellectual Property India (Indian Patent Office)
India’s patent office has four locations across the country:
- Delhi Office: Boudhik Sampada Bhawan, Plot No. 32, Sector 14, Dwarka, New Delhi – 110078
- Mumbai Office: Boudhik Sampada Bhawan, S.M. Road, Antop Hill, Mumbai – 400037
- Chennai Office: Intellectual Property Office Building, G.S.T. Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600032
- Kolkata Office: Boudhik Sampada Bhawan, CP-2 Sector V, Salt Lake City, Kolkata – 700091
IP Australia
- Address: PO Box 200, Woden ACT 2606, Australia
National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) (Brazil)
- Address: Rua Mayrink Veiga, 9 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20090-910, Brazil
Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent) (Russia)
- Address: Berezhkovskaya nab., 30, bld. 1, Moscow, G-59, GSP-3, 125993, Russian Federation
In addition to these major patent offices, nearly every country has its own intellectual property office responsible for handling patent applications and other IP matters within its borders. When seeking international patent protection, it’s crucial to understand the requirements and procedures of each relevant patent office.
While filing patent applications directly with individual patent offices is possible, many inventors and businesses choose to file international patent applications through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system. The PCT, administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), allows applicants to seek patent protection in multiple countries through a single international application.
To file a PCT application, you can submit your application to your national patent office, a competent PCT receiving office, or directly to WIPO. The main receiving offices for PCT applications are:
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- European Patent Office (EPO)
- Japan Patent Office (JPO)
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO)
- International Bureau of WIPO: 34, chemin des Colombettes, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
By providing a comprehensive list of patent office locations and addresses from around the world, we hope this guide has made it easier for you to navigate the complex landscape of international patent protection. Remember, securing patent rights in multiple countries can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it’s essential to carefully consider your IP strategy and seek professional guidance when necessary.
Whether you choose to file patent applications directly with individual patent offices or utilize the PCT system, understanding the roles and requirements of each patent office is crucial for successfully protecting your intellectual property on a global scale.