A provisional patent is a type of patent application that allows an inventor to file their invention with the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) and receive a filing date without requiring a formal patent claim. The filing date serves as "proof" that the inventor was the first to invent the product or process in the eyes of the PTO. The provisional patent is a temporary patent that lasts for one year. During this time, the inventor can further refine their invention and decide if a full, non-provisional patent is needed. You can record provisional patent applications through reliable service providers.
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Benefits of Filing a Provisional Patent
Filing a provisional patent provides many benefits to an inventor. It is a much less expensive and less time-consuming process than filing a full patent. It also gives the inventor a one-year head start in the patent process, allowing them to further refine their invention during this time. Additionally, filing a provisional patent gives the inventor the ability to mark their invention with the words “patent pending.” This alerts potential competitors that the invention is in the process of being patented, thus discouraging them from attempting to copy or steal the invention.
Preparing a Provisional Patent Application
The first step in filing a provisional patent is to prepare a provisional patent application. This should include a description of the invention, an illustration or a diagram, and a list of any related applications. The application should also include a claims section, which outlines the features of the invention that are unique and that will be protected by the patent. The application must be signed by the inventor and dated.