What must be submitted to enter the national phase in the U.S. from a PCT application?

To enter the national phase in the U.S. from a PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application, a specific set of requirements must be met. The correct answer involves submitting a filing fee, a copy of the international application, and an oath or declaration.

When a PCT application reaches the national phase in the United States, the applicant must file a copy of the international application in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This is typically the same document that was filed internationally, ensuring that the U.S. office has the necessary details of the invention as initially submitted. The filing fee is a mandatory requirement to process the application in the national phase, as it funds the examination process. Lastly, an oath or declaration is necessary to affirm that the application was filed by the inventor or someone with authority to represent the inventor, confirming the legal standing of the application.

Thus, the inclusion of all three components—a filing fee, a copy of the international application, and an oath—ensures that the application is both properly submitted and in compliance with U.S. patent laws as the applicant transitions from the international stage to the national stage within the United States.