Djibouti joins Patent Cooperation Treaty

Djibouti has become the 150th member to join the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Hassan Houmed Ibrahim, Djibouti’s minister delegate to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, confirmed the country’s accession on June 23.

He was joined by Francis Gurry, director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Gurry said: “With the accession of Djibouti, WIPO’s PCT has reached the significant milestone of 150 member states.”

Ibrahim added: “We are glad and pleased to be joining the PCT. This will stimulate our country’s innovators to explore business opportunities globally and facilitate the seeking of patent protection in our country by inventors from abroad.”

The WIPO-administered PCT enables patent applicants to seek protection in 150 countries through a single application.