The process of submitting a patent application for an invention is generally a two-step process. The first step is to file a patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This application is called a provisional patent application. The second step is to file a non-provisional patent application with the USPTO within one year of filing the provisional patent application. Hiring professional invention and patent services, such as InventHelp, is the best way to ensure that your patent application is filed correctly.
The provisional patent application can be used as a placeholder for filing a non-provisional patent application within 12 months of the date you file the provisional patent application. If you don’t file a non-provisional patent application within one year of filing the provisional, then your rights will be lost and no one else can apply for or obtain a U.S. patent on your invention.
The provisional patent application is not a complete patent application but it gives you one year to file a non-provisional. You should file a provisional patent application if your invention has not yet been made or if you need more time to perfect or develop the product before applying for a non-provisional patent.
Provisional applications are not examined by the patent office. Instead, they are used to establish an early filing date for the invention. Provisional applications do not need to include claims or drawings, but do require some description of the invention and how it works.
Always consult with professional patent agency, such as InventHelp, to discuss the best course of action for your invention. As part of their services, they can help you determine whether you should file a provisional patent application or a non-provisional application. There are a lot of Inventhelp.com reviews out there that you can read to find out more about this company’s services. They have helped many inventors get started on the road to success and they can do the same for you.
