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prevent him or her from obtaining a valid patentfor that invention, since the novelty requirementwould not have been met. Some countries,however, allow for a grace period, which providesa safeguard for applicants who disclosed theirinventions before filing a patent application,and the novelty criterion may be interpreteddifferently depending on the applicable law.If, for example, you must disclose your invention toa potential investor or a business partner prior tofiling a patent application, that disclosure shouldbe accompanied by a confidentiality agreement.How do I file in the United States?Patent applications and supportingdocumentation can be filed online with the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office. To get started, visit1.usa.gov/10PdLXk.Can I protect my trademark in morethan one country at a time?Yes, the Madrid Protocol provides a vehicle forapplying for protection in multiple countriesthat are signatories to the protocol by filing oneapplication and paying one fee in one nationalcurrency. For information on the Madrid Protocoland how to file, visit 1.usa.gov/1zsCqPD.How can I learn more aboutinternational intellectualproperty law?The Global Intellectual Property Academy providestraining programs in multilateral and countryspecificcontacts. For more information, go touspto.gov/ip/training.How long does it take to get apatent granted?The wait in the United States is about 36 months.Government officials have stated that this lengthof time is unacceptable, and efforts are underway to reform the process and reduce wait times.Meanwhile, inventors must make do with a patentpendingdesignation.How do I file a complaint if I thinkmy intellectual property hasbeen stolen?A number of U.S. government agencies havejoined forces to investigate and prosecute IP theft.For more information, visit www.stopfakes.gov.Chapter 10: International Legal Considerations119