The terms of a patent assignment must be:

The correct answer is that the terms of a patent assignment must be written but do not require recording.

In patent law, for an assignment to be valid, it should be documented in a written agreement that clearly states the terms of the assignment. This written form is essential to establish the rights being transferred and to provide evidence of the assignment in any disputes that may arise. However, it is not mandatory to record the assignment with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the assignment to be valid. While recording an assignment can serve as a public notice and help protect the interests of the assignee, failure to record does not invalidate the assignment itself. Therefore, having a written agreement suffices for the legal transfer of rights, making this option the correct choice.

The other options are not accurate representations of the requirements for patent assignments. Oral agreements are not sufficient because they lack the level of documentation required to establish clear rights. There is no requirement for assignments to be completed in English, as long as the parties involved understand the agreement. Notarization is also not a mandated requirement for validity; while it can help in providing authenticity, it does not impact the legal standing of the assignment itself.