File a Patent - Patent Pending

	Overview  |   Patent Searching  |   Patent Pending  |   Provisional Patent vs. Utility
	What is a provisional application? When an application for patent is filed with the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), the status of the invention and the application is known as “patent pending.” This legend may then be placed on marketing materials or the goods themselves to notify the public that an application has been filed. Provisional patent applications were designed as a simpler and less expensive way for inventors to get an application on file and begin the process of protecting an invention. The provisional patent application remains on file with the USPTO for one year (i.e. Expires in 12 months) while the inventor works to market their invention and further develop a full utility patent application. The provisional patent application was intended to provide the time to further develop and fine tune the invention and to save inventors from unnecessarily spending thousands of dollars on a full utility patent application until after they were more technically and/or financially ready for completing the requirements of the utility filing. Is patent pending important? A provisional patent application is significantly less expensive to prepare and file than a full utility patent application (non-provisional patent) while it still conveys the status of "patent pending" to the invention. This may be important in establishing the priority of your invention against other similar inventions or in defining what prior art will be compared to your invention during examination of the full utility patent. However, it is important to understand that a provisional patent application is itself never examined, acting only as a “placeholder” for the full utility application. If no utility application is filed within the year, the application is abandoned forever. As with any application, there is no guarantee that the idea will ever receive full patent protection. How much does a Provisional Patent Application cost? Cost = $499 (plus $110 US Patent Office filing fee) We can assist you in the process of compiling and organizing your provisional patent application, which you must file with the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). You may also utilize our electronic filing process to expedite the application filing. Note, it is very important for a provisional patent application to be completed with thorough and accurate information describing your invention. If desired, we can also provide independent referrals for registered Patent Attorneys/Agents to complete a utility or design patent application. Disclaimer: Jacob Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a: MatchProduct) is not a law firm and is not engaged in the practice of law. MatchProduct does not and cannot practice before the U.S. patent office and cannot offer legal consulation, advice or services. We refer inventors to independent patent attorneys / agents for their patent needs.