Provisional Patent Application
Introduced by the USPTO in 1995, a Provisional Patent Application (“PPA”) provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional patent filings and enables an inventor to become ‘patent-pending’ quickly, which is important in our “first to file” patent system.
How does it work?
Once filed, the Provisional Patent Application provides a one-year window in which inventors can refine their invention and decide whether to pursue a Non-Provisional Patent Application (typically either a Utility or Design patent).
If a Non-Provisional Patent is pursued within this timeframe, the filing date for the PPA is recognized as the “priority date” of the patent.
How much does it cost?
We charge a flat fee of $1295 to prepare and file a Provisional Patent Application with the USPTO.
What Is Included
Our Provisional Patent Service Packages Includes:
- Detailed specification of your invention per your notes and drawings.
- Preparation of all necessary patent forms.
- Up to 2 edits by the inventor.
- Filing by a registered patent attor
Ready to Get Started?
If you have all the information together about your invention, click the order button below to get started.
FAQ
The Process of a provisional patent
The provisional patent application is a strategic move in the patent process that allows inventors to protect their inventions at a lower initial cost and with less complexity. However, it is not a substitute for a full utility patent application.
With the provisional patent application filed, inventors secure a ‘patent pending’ status. This is an opportunity for inventors to market their invention, build prototypes, secure funding, and refine the invention’s functionalities.
Before the end of the one-year window, inventors need to decide if they wish to pursue a nonprovisional utility patent to maintain their patent protection. If they decide to proceed, the filing date of the provisional application applies to the nonprovisional patent application.
FAQs about Provisional Patents
The provisional patent application provides inventors with a one-year “patent-pending” status, allowing them to further develop their inventions, seek investors, and test market viability before committing to the more costly nonprovisional patent application.
If a nonprovisional patent application is not filed within one year of the provisional patent application, the provisional application simply expires and the ‘patent-pending’ status is lost.
Yes, you can claim the benefit of your provisional patent’s filing date for your nonprovisional patent application. However, this is applicable only if the claimed subject matter in the nonprovisional application is supported by the provisional application.
No, the USPTO keeps provisional patent applications confidential until a corresponding nonprovisional application is filed and published. If a nonprovisional application is not filed, the provisional application remains confidential indefinitely.
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