Which documents are necessary to obtain a filing date for a national stage application under PCT?

To establish a filing date for a national stage application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), certain key documents must be submitted. The essential requirements include a request form, which formally initiates the application, and the necessary fees that cover filing costs. The oath or declaration adds to the completeness of the application, demonstrating the applicant's commitment to the information provided.

Filing fees are critical because they ensure that the patent office can process the application. Without the appropriate payment, the application cannot move forward in the examination process, thus hindering the establishment of a valid filing date.

While other documents may be relevant to the application process, they do not singly or collectively fulfill the necessary criteria to secure a filing date. For instance, a patent specification and claims are important for the substantive evaluation of the patent but are not strictly mandatory for obtaining an initial filing date. Similarly, a letter of authorization or application drawings may be necessary components of a complete application but are not prerequisites for the actual filing date. Therefore, having an oath or declaration along with filing fees is pivotal to meeting the requirements for the national stage application.