The Advantages of Filing a Provisional Application
If you’re an inventor with an invention that you would like to patent, filing a provisional application might be more cost-effective than filing for patent protection. Plus, since these are non-legal processes, no attorney is necessary in filing one.
Since June 1995, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has offered a provisional patent as an affordable initial filing option for inventors. Furthermore, this system gives U.S. applicants parity with foreign inventors under GATT Uruguay Round Agreements.
It is simpler than a patent application
Provisional applications are a convenient way to reserve a patent filing date and act as a placeholder while you decide whether or not you want full patent protection for your invention. This is in comparison to non-provisional applications which must be reviewed by the examiner and could take up to one year before receiving approval for patenting.
In addition to securing a filing date, a provisional application also offers inventors time to assess whether their invention has potential for profitability and marketability. This is especially beneficial for those who have yet to identify an appropriate manufacturer for their product.
However, if your idea is not unique or lacks high levels of innovation, submitting a provisional application could be a waste of both time and money. To ensure the most successful outcomes, conduct an extensive patent search prior to filing for this type of application.
Your invention should be described in as much detail and specificity as possible, including all relevant dimensions, specifications, shop drawings, abstracts or schematics. Furthermore, make sure you do not accidentally include a design element or feature which would infringe upon another’s intellectual property rights.
When patenting your invention, it’s essential that you provide as much detail as possible in the description. Doing this will increase the odds that your application is approved.
A patent can be an essential tool in guarding your invention from being copied by other manufacturers. It also grants legal rights to the ideas behind your creation, making them easy to defend in court.
It can also be advantageous if you plan to license your invention, as this will give the appearance of ownership over your creation. Once that has been established, you can negotiate a licensing fee for the right to utilize your creation.
As a general guideline, never patent a product with an expected lifespan of less than 18 months. Doing so will save you valuable time and energy in the long run.
It is less expensive than a patent application
If you are hesitant to invest in a patent application but still want protection for your invention, filing for a provisional application is the perfect alternative. It costs less than filing for full patent protection and provides time to evaluate whether or not filing one would be worthwhile.
Provisional applications cost less than half as much as patent applications, making them an attractive option for many inventors.
Another advantage to filing a provisional application is its usually more cost-effective nature compared to hiring a patent attorney. A good lawyer should charge between $200-$400 an hour.
A patent attorney can assist you in selecting the appropriate type of protection for your invention and providing advice on which patent to file. They will guide you through every step of the way and work on your behalf to ensure that your patent is granted.
The cost of filing a patent application depends on the complexity of your invention. For the most affordable option, you can prepare and file it yourself; however, you will still have to pay USPTO fees as well as examination fees.
If your invention is complex, it’s usually best to hire a patent attorney to prepare and file the application. Doing so will protect your invention properly and save you money in the long run.
Most inventors find the total cost of a patent application to be approximately $1,000. This includes filing a provisional application, drafting claims and specifications, procuring illustrations, as well as any additional expenses.
Due to the length of time your patent must be examined, you may need to pay additional money for attorney’s fees. On average, these costs range between $7,000 and $14,000. However, they could even be as low as $5,000.
In addition to the initial costs, maintenance fees must be paid after your patent has been issued. These fees range from $3,600 for large entities up to $900-$1800 for small and micro entities.
It can be filed electronically
Provisional applications can be filed electronically using the USPTO’s Electronic Filing System (EFS-Web). Depending on your product or invention, you may need to upload PDF files or utilize a fillable PDF creator in order to complete your file.
Before filing a patent application, it’s essential to comprehend the steps involved and how much time and money will be expended. Filing for patents can seem intimidatingly complex; therefore, seeking professional assistance from an experienced patent attorney is recommended.
The initial step in inventing something new is to guarantee its uniqueness. Do this by researching existing inventions and accurately and comprehensively describing your concept.
Next, ensure your invention is patentable by filling out the necessary forms and paying any applicable fees.
Additionally, include a detailed description of your product or invention along with any necessary drawing figures to comprehend its operation. Doing this helps establish the claims that can later be added onto a patent application.
Filing a provisional application can be cost-effective. For “micro-entities,” $65; small entities,” $130; and large entities,” $260.” These costs are significantly cheaper than full non-provisional patent applications which typically range between $6000 to $10,000 for an average inventor.
Savings can be substantial, especially if an inventor cannot afford attorney fees associated with drafting a regular application. In such cases, a provisional application can be used to demonstrate that the invention is novel and worthy of protection before incurring the expense of non-provisional application.
A provisional application can also be used to prevent a competitor from asserting an invalid claim against your patent. For instance, if an inventor attempts to sell a drill bit with an unusual angle during the patent-pending period without providing any explanation in their initial provisional application, this could invalidate the entire patent.
In addition to these advantages, filing a provisional patent application can grant you an extra year of patent protection before your non-provisional patent application needs to be filed. This is because your invention won’t be subject to the 20 year patent term until after your non-provisional application has been filed and the provisional filing date will transfer over to the new application. Delaying patent costs and enabling development into market-ready assets at no extra cost are great ways to save time.
It can be filed in foreign countries
Inventors looking to file patent applications abroad may want to consider filing a provisional application first. This will give them the chance to showcase their invention to the public and secure their right as the first to market with their product.
To determine whether filing a provisional application is the best course of action, evaluate your individual situation and consult an attorney. There is no one-size-fits all answer here; it all comes down to how you plan to utilize your invention.
If you plan to commercialize your invention, be sure to include a comprehensive description of the product in your provisional application. This could include dimensions, shop drawings and any abstracts or schematics you may have created.
An accurate product description is essential as it will enable a patent examiner to assess whether your invention meets all the necessary criteria for patentability. Furthermore, ensure that your description accurately highlights the product’s features and capabilities.
In addition to a comprehensive product description, you must also include an accurate list of inventors on your provisional application. Under US law, an inventor is defined as anyone who contributes to the conception (i.e., mental embodiment) of at least one claim.
Another important reason to include inventors on your provisional application is that it helps the Patent Office identify who would be most suitable for filing a follow-on patent application. This is especially pertinent if you plan on filing a non-provisional patent application in the United States within one year after filing your provisional application.
Alternatively, you may wish to include inventors from more than one country on your provisional application in order for the most qualified individuals to receive patent protection in each nation. You can do this by including all of their names along with contact information for each inventor on the form.
If you decide to include inventors from more than one country in your provisional application, you should also consider obtaining a foreign filing license before filing it. Doing so will prevent certain information about your invention from being disclosed to foreign jurisdictions which could pose serious problems for countries lacking adequate legal protection for intellectual property rights.
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