Iraq Joins the PCT
January 31, 2022
On January 31, the Government of Iraq deposited its instrument of accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) with WIPO's Director General, making Iraq the 155th member of the PCT Union. The PCT will enter into force for Iraq on April 30, 2022.
![Iraq accession to the PCT](/documents/102028/107242/iraq_pct_20220131_1920.jpg/5480e219-f273-9746-fa75-d9268d477d7a?t=1652828005118)
As from April 30, inventors in Iraq can file patent applications under the PCT as a means of seeking patent protection in PCT Contracting States.
Likewise, starting April 30, foreign innovators can use the PCT System to seek patent protection for their inventions in Iraq.
Information about Iraq's functioning as a PCT receiving Office and designated (or elected) Office will soon be available in the PCT Applicant's Guide.