Acknowledgments

• Author: Jay Erstling - Samson Helfgott - T. David Reed
• Pages: xv-xvi

xv

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

It is a longstanding joke that the letters P-C-T stand not only for Pat-

ent Cooperation Treaty, but also for Pretty Complicated Treaty, which

is just what the PCT is. While there are good reasons for the treaty’s

complexity—not least of which is the PCT’s need to function properly

in all member countries—its opaqueness creates great challenges. Like

everyone who uses the PCT system, the three of us have struggled to

understand and master it, and we have not been immune to some of its

many pitfalls.

The PCT has been the focus of our professional lives. Collectively,

we have not only been responsible for countless PCT applications, but

we have also been in charge of running the PCT system, lecturing and

writing about it, participating in its reform, and attempting to make it

more accessible. This guide is the result of almost 100 years of collective

experience and acquired wisdom. It is also the result of many years of

close collaboration with talented colleagues, mentors, and friends who

have informed and honed our knowledge of the treaty. While responsi-

bility for all errors, omissions, and flaws in this guide rests solely with

us, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge some of the individ-

uals who over the years have served as our PCT resources and guides.

In no apparent order, we express our gratitude to Marty Kalikow, Louis

Maassel, Isabelle Boutillon, Busso Bartels, Phil Thomas, Nicole Bérard,

Carol Bidwell, and Mike Neas. To those we have not singled out by

name, we both apologize and thank you for the invaluable guidance and

assistance you have provided. You have all taught us so much.

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