What is required to qualify as an international (PCT) application?

To qualify as an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), it is essential to include a request along with a designation of a contracting state. The request is a formal document that initiates the PCT process and outlines the applicant’s intention to seek international patent protection. Furthermore, designating a contracting state is crucial as it indicates the jurisdictions in which the applicant seeks to potentially pursue patent rights.

While there are additional requirements for a complete PCT application, such as providing a description and claims, the fundamental requirement hinges on the request and the designation of at least one contracting state. A complete application will indeed encompass more elements, but without a request and a state designation, the application cannot qualify as an international application under the PCT framework.

This understanding underscores the PCT's structure, emphasizing the significance of the request and the choice of designating states from the outset of the application process.