What is required for claiming priority to a foreign application?

To claim priority to a foreign application, certain documentation and formal requirements must be met under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. The correct requirement includes the inclusion of the claim within a signed Application Data Sheet (ADS) as well as the provision of a certified copy of the foreign application. This process is in place to ensure that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has verifiable evidence of the foreign application's filing date and content, which is crucial for establishing priority.

The signed ADS serves as a formal declaration of intent to claim priority and allows the applicant to provide necessary information about the foreign application. The certified copy adds another layer of authenticity, confirming that the foreign application indeed exists and contains the claims as stated. By doing so, a patent applicant can effectively secure their priority date, which is essential for ensuring that their rights are protected in the US as well as internationally.

The other choices do not align with the requirements stipulated by the patent laws and regulations. For instance, solely a declaration form or a sworn statement without any documentation would not fulfill the criteria needed for claiming priority, given that verifiable evidence through the submission of a certified copy is crucial. Similarly, obtaining written permission from the original inventor is not a requirement for claiming