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Question: Do I need to file the domestic and foreign patent applications at the same time?

Answer: Generally, you do not need to file the domestic and foreign patents at the same time. The Paris Treaty allows you up to one year to file in foreign countries that are members of the Paris Treaty provided the domestic country is also a member of the Paris Treaty. Also, you can file under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”)and provided you file for PCT protection within a year from filing in the domestic country, you will get the filing date of the application filed in the domestic country. The benefit of the PCT is that you can have up to 30 months to decide what countries to file for patent protection. This is just a general summary and it would be best if you discussed the issue with a registered patent attorney. Please be advised that I do not know the details of any particular situation you may have, and am just discussing the general state of the law with the assumption that you have created a patentable idea and have not disclosed it to anybody or offered it for sale.