inovia Expands its Global Network of Agents with New Partnerships in Morocco, Hong Kong, Italy and the Netherlands

International Network of Agents Reaches 112 Countries, Providing PCT National Stage Entry Filings in Key Global Markets

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--inovia, the leading foreign filing platform provider, today announced that leading intellectual property (IP) firms in Hong Kong, Morocco, Italy and the Netherlands have joined inovia’s international network of agents. In only six months, inovia has grown its global network of agents by 32 percent, from 85 countries to 112. This accelerated growth illustrates the increased global demand for Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) national stage entry filings and the use of technology solutions like inovia.com that help reduce the cost and complexity of international patent filing.

“We believe having the support of local firms with proven, unmatched knowledge and experience in all areas of IP prosecution, registration and enforcement is invaluable to our clients as they look to enter important new markets”

Saba & Co., who has previously handled PCT national stage entry filings into Egypt, has extended its relationship with inovia to provide PCT support for filings into Morocco. Expanding its footprint in the Benelux region, inovia adds the well-established Nederlandsch Octrooibureau (NLO) of the Netherlands to its network, joining fellow Dutch firm Allied Patents. In Italy, inovia adds Barzanò & Zanardo, a leading IP firm established in 1878, to its network alongside Italian firm Fiammenghi – Fiammenghi.

Though not a PCT member, Hong Kong saw 16 percent growth in patent filings in 2011 driven by applications from non-residents. Typically attorneys and applicants will seek a standard patent in Hong Kong based on the registration of a patent granted by the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the European Patent Office or the United Kingdom Patent Office. To assist inovia clients with extending their patent rights into Hong Kong, inovia has added EAGLE IP Limited, a top-tier IP firm in greater China.

“We believe having the support of local firms with proven, unmatched knowledge and experience in all areas of IP prosecution, registration and enforcement is invaluable to our clients as they look to enter important new markets,” said David Nelson, CEO of inovia. “With the right local partner in place to navigate the political, economic, and legal changes germane to the region, we are able to pass along greater efficiency and cost savings to inovia users as they leverage our technology platform to streamline the national stage entry process.”

About inovia

inovia is the global leader in foreign patent filing, having served over 1,000 clients. Its global instruction platform, inovia.com, simplifies the PCT national stage entry, direct (Paris Convention) filing and European validation processes. With headquarters in New York, offices in London, Munich and Sydney, and agents covering over 110 countries, inovia provides support in all major time zones and IP jurisdictions. inovia’s patented technology pioneered online foreign filing and is recognized amongst WIPO’s most notable inventions. For more information visit inovia at www.inovia.com and follow the company on Twitter @inoviaIP.