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

To qualify as an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), several key components are necessary to fulfill the requirements set by the treaty. The correct answer highlights the need for a request and a designation of a contracting state.

The PCT allows applicants to file a single international patent application that can be recognized in many contracting states. The request is a formal document that initiates the PCT application process, and it must include important details such as the applicant's name and address. Additionally, designating a contracting state is crucial because it indicates which member states the applicant wishes to seek patent protection in. Without at least these elements, the application cannot proceed properly under the PCT framework.

The other choices do not encompass all necessary elements. For instance, simply having a request and the applicant's name is insufficient when it lacks the designation of the states in which protection is sought. Meanwhile, only including claims and descriptions would overlook the foundational request and designation, making it an incomplete submission for international recognition. Thus, the option that comprises a request along with a designation of a contracting state is essential for qualifying as an international (PCT) application.