For Indian innovators · Startups · Enterprises · Universities

File abroad from India — US, Europe, China, Japan, Korea

One Indian firm to coordinate your worldwide IP. PCT international applications, Paris Convention direct filings and Madrid Protocol trademarks — across 30+ jurisdictions through a vetted associate network. Foreign Filing Licence under Section 39 of the Indian Patents Act handled in-house.

Section 39 — Foreign Filing Licence is mandatory

If you are an Indian resident, you cannot file a patent abroad without (a) first filing in India and waiting 6 weeks, or (b) obtaining a Foreign Filing Licence from the Indian Patent Office. Violation is a criminal offence under Section 118 (up to 2 years' imprisonment). We obtain the FFL for you — typically within 21 days.

Three routes abroad

PCT international application

Single international filing → 30/31 months to choose national-phase countries. Best when target markets are still being evaluated. Filed at RO/IN or RO/IB.

Paris Convention direct

Direct national filings within 12 months of Indian priority. Cheaper than PCT when target countries are already decided (typically 1-3 jurisdictions).

Madrid Protocol trademarks

Single international trademark application designating up to 130+ member countries. Single fee in CHF, single renewal, single ownership change.

Where Indian clients file most

Coordinated through a vetted network of foreign associates — one point of contact, one consolidated invoice.

USUnited States
USPTO
Utility & design patents, trademarks, Madrid designation.
EPEurope
EPO + national
Unitary Patent, validations, EUIPO trademarks & designs.
CNChina
CNIPA
Invention/utility-model/design patents, trademarks.
JPJapan
JPO
Patents, trademarks, designs — strict translation standards.
KRRepublic of Korea
KIPO
Patents, trademarks, designs — fastest examination in Asia.
GBUnited Kingdom
UKIPO
Post-Brexit separate filing from EU rights.
CACanada
CIPO
Patents, trademarks, industrial designs.
AUAustralia
IP Australia
Standard & innovation patents, trademarks, designs.
SGSingapore
IPOS
Patents, trademarks, designs — ASEAN gateway.
AEUAE
Ministry of Economy
Patents, trademarks, designs — GCC access.

Frequently asked — by Indian outbound clients

What is the Foreign Filing Licence (FFL) under Section 39 of the Indian Patents Act?

Indian residents must either (a) first file in India and wait 6 weeks before filing abroad, OR (b) obtain a Foreign Filing Licence from the Indian Patent Office BEFORE filing abroad. Violation is a criminal offence punishable by up to 2 years' imprisonment. We obtain the FFL on your behalf — typically issued within 21 days.

PCT or Paris Convention — which route?

PCT gives you 30/31 months from priority to decide where to file nationally — best when you want time to evaluate markets. Paris Convention requires direct filing within 12 months but is cheaper if you already know your 1-2 target countries.

Can I file directly without an Indian priority application?

Indian residents cannot — Section 39 requires either an Indian first-filing or an FFL. Non-residents can file directly abroad without involving India.

Do I need a US/EU/JP attorney as well?

Yes — most jurisdictions require a locally-licensed agent for filing. We coordinate end-to-end with a vetted network of US, European, Chinese, Japanese and Korean associates, so you get one point of contact, one invoice and one reporting format.

How do I claim the small-entity / micro-entity / SME fee reductions abroad?

Most offices (USPTO, EPO, JPO, KIPO, CNIPA) offer 50-75% fee reductions for small entities, individual inventors, universities and startups. We claim these by default and provide the necessary declarations.

Ready to take your IP global?

Tell us your priority date, target countries and tech area. We respond with a country-by-country budget within one business day.