Explore the key requirements for filing a provisional patent application. A provisional patent application often requires multiple details – including charts, drawings, photographs, and written descriptions. These details provide necessary information for USPTO examiners to understand the structure, real-world applications, and basic functions of a particular invention. While USPTO does not examine provisional patent applications, following these key requirements is helpful. As a novel inventor, adhering to the basic provisional provisional patent requirements will make the filing process more convenient. Of course, you may also establish an early priority date for your invention – potentially resulting in the acquisition of worldwide patent rights in future. Read on to learn more about different provisional patent requirements for filing and application.

Invention Must Be Novel & Non-Obvious

As the first provisional patent filing requirement, your invention must be novel and non-obvious. To qualify for the novelty status, consider filing a provisional patent application within the first year of its public disclosure. Inventions with existing patent applications and prior public disclosure are not eligible for IP protection. Additionally, your invention must be a non-obvious improvement over existing products. Evaluating the novelty and non-obviousness of a patent application is a challenging process. Get a patent search for novel inventions from a professional patent attorney to ensure your IP is different from existing products. The attorney will also analyze the non-obvious patent requirements to validate the new improvements. Indeed, novelty and non-obvious inventions are required for provisional patent filing and application.

A Detailed Provisional Patent Cover Sheet

Next, USPTO requires inventors to provide a detailed cover sheet for filing a provisional patent application. You can download the Form SB-16 or patent cover sheet from the USPTO website. This cover sheet includes multiple fields – including the inventor(s) name, project title, and residential addresses. Use up to 500 characters to describe the project title. To include more relevant details, you may also add a correspondence address, the company name, the number of attached drawing charts, the application data sheet, and the paid filing fee. Finally, add your signature and submit the cover sheet online or through postal mail. Definitely, a detailed provisional patent cover sheet is required to file a provisional patent application.

Relevant Written Description

A relevant written description is another provisional patent requirement for filing and application. According to 35 U.S.C. section (112) patentability requirements, inventors must provide an accurate written description of their invention. The description needs to highlight the operations and components of your project. A broad description with high-level details increases the likelihood of patent approval. Avoid words that may limit the patent protection scope for future utility applications. To prevent language mistakes and common typos, partner with a USPTO patent attorney in Texas. These experienced attorneys can help write a detailed, easy-to-understand, and useful description. Absolutely, provisional patent application requirements include a broad written description.

Supporting Invention Drawings

Invention drawings are also required for provisional patent filing and applications. Many inventors do not consider drawings a necessary part of provisional patent application. Similar to detailed written descriptions, drawings & sketches help USPTO examiners get familiar with your invention. In fact, these examiners may use the attached drawings to compare your provisional application with existing inventions. Clear drawings and sketches also convey the intended purpose of an invention – potentially resulting in patent pending status approval. If you are working with a patent agent, share these drawings to draft & file a strong application. Indeed, invention drawings are a necessary provisional patent requirement for filing a new application.

Appropriate Application Filing Fee

At last, your provisional patent application requires a filing fee. The USPTO provisional patent filing fee depends on the application category and project complexity. Micro and small entities need to pay between $75 to $150 for provisional patent filing. On the other hand, large entities may have to pay up to $300 to USPTO. Before submitting a provisional patent application, get a clear understanding of the USPTO fee structure. You also need to attach the filing fee along with your application. Indeed, a filing fee is required to submit a provisional patent application.

There are several provisional patent requirements for filing and application. First, filing a provisional patent application requires inventions to be novel and non-obvious. Next, fill out a detailed provisional patent cover sheet with the necessary information – including name, invention details, and addresses. Hire a provisional patent attorney to write an accurate and comprehensive written description. You may also be required to submit supporting invention drawings to help USPTO examiners understand your invention better. At last, pay the required filing fee and submit your provisional patent application at USPTO. Follow the points above to know about provisional patent requirements for filing and application.