What are the required elements of an international patent application?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

According to MPEP 1812, an international patent application must contain the following elements:

  • Request
  • Description
  • Claim or claims
  • Abstract
  • One or more drawings (where necessary for understanding the invention)

This is based on PCT Article 3(2) and PCT Article 7(2). The MPEP states: “Any international application must contain the following elements: request, description, claim or claims, abstract and one or more drawings (where drawings are necessary for the understanding of the invention)“.

Tags: International Patent Application, Patent Cooperation Treaty, patent elements, PCT