What must be included in an International Application?

An international application, or Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application, must include a request indicating that it is an international application. This request is a critical component of the application as it establishes the intent to seek patent protection in multiple countries through the PCT process. The request provides necessary information such as the applicant's identity and the title of the invention, which is essential for the proper processing and identification of the application by the relevant patent authorities.

While claims and fees, a utility patent specification, or a detailed experimental procedure may also be part of an international application, they are not mandatory requirements for the application itself. The request is the foundational document that signifies the application’s international nature and initiates the processing of the application under the PCT system.