A single international search report, which can reduce the administrative burden and costs.
In the early stages, you process a single international application instead of multiple applications in multiple patent offices.
Countries do not have to be designated until about 30 months from the date you applied.
You can get protection in individual countries by applying to the national office of each country. This is advisable if you only want protection in a few countries
You can claim priority from an existing patent application if you apply abroad within 12 months of your original application.
Your later application will be treated as if you applied on the same date as the original application.