Filing a provisional patent is a great way for inventors to get the patent process started without the cost of hiring a patent lawyer. However, there are certain requirements that must be met for a provisional application to be effective. In this article, we'll discuss what is needed to file a provisional patent, the benefits of filing early, and how to avoid common pitfalls. The USPTO Form SB-16 is the cover of the provisional patent application and must be completed to start the application.
This sheet lists the names of the inventors, the title of the invention, and notes the address for correspondence. In addition to this form, a provisional patent application requires the names of all inventors, a cover that identifies the invention, and the filing fee. Early filing dates can be useful in several ways. With the passage of the United States Inventions Act, the United States has adopted a system based on the “first to file” principle, making early filing dates even more important in cases where several parties are seeking patent protection on the same invention. Early filing dates can also help prevent loss of patent rights due to loss of novelty. The provisional application must include a description of the invention that meets the requirements for better mode and enablement.
If these requirements are not met, no subsequent application may be based on it. Unfortunately, many provisional applications are hastily submitted and do not meet these requirements, resulting in wasted time and money. In some cases, an inadequate provisional application can lead to loss of patent rights.Once you've gathered all your documents, you're ready to file them. All types of inventions can benefit from a provisional patent, from high-tech patents to garage inventions.
A provisional application provides the means to establish an early filing date of entry into force on a non-provisional patent application subsequently filed pursuant to 35 U. S. C. 111(b).When filing your patent documents, it's important to collect and describe all functions and refer to them in figures as this will serve as the basis for subsequent non-provisional applications and any continuations.
The non-provisional patent application must be filed within 12 months of the provisional application; otherwise, the provisional patent will expire. Documenting an invention without applying for a provisional patent no longer offers the same legal protections as it once did. Therefore, it's important to understand what is needed to file a provisional patent in order to protect your invention.
