Intellectual property (IP) rights are crucial in fostering innovation and protecting the interests of inventors in the field of nanotechnology. However, the global nature of nanotech research means that inventions are often developed collaboratively across borders. This raises issues related to patent laws, which vary significantly from one country to another. Ensuring that IP rights are respected internationally requires harmonization of patent laws and treaties, such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), to facilitate the protection of innovations worldwide.
