In a reference filing, what documents must be submitted within three months?

The correct response identifies the specific documentation required within three months of a reference filing in the context of patent applications. According to U.S. patent law and the relevant regulations, when a reference filing is made, the applicant must provide a copy of the specification, any associated drawings, the appropriate fee, and, if necessary, a translation of the specification if it is not in English.

This requirement ensures that the patent office has all the necessary information to process the application and evaluate the patent claims adequately. The specification is essential as it provides a detailed account of the invention's technical aspects, while the drawings help illustrate these points visually. Additionally, any translation is vital for non-English documents to facilitate understanding and evaluation by the patent examiners.

In contrast, while other documents such as a detailed description of the invention, examination reports, or notarized affidavits may play important roles in the patent application process, they do not specifically fulfill the required submissions within the three-month timeframe for reference filings. Understanding this specific requirement assists applicants in ensuring that they meet the procedural necessities for keeping their patent applications progressing smoothly.