PROVISIONAL PATENTS

A provisional application is a simpler, less expensive type of patent application, but it lacks all of the requirements of a non-provisional utility patent application.

What Is A Provisional Patent?

A provisional patent application is a type of United States utility patent application. A provisional application is a simpler, less expensive type of patent application, but it lacks all of the requirements of a non-provisional utility patent application.


The Advantages of Filing a Provisional Patent Application.


Provisional patent applications have a lot of advantages. For example, a provisional patent application does not require claims and the inventor does not have to file an oath. There are many great reasons to consider filing a provisional application.

Lower Costs.

Provisional patent applications do not have all of the requirements of a non-provisional patent application. No claim set has to be filed and other sections that are commonly included in non-provisional applications can be excluded. Information disclosure statements are generally not filed with provisional applications. All of this drives the costs down from 25% to 40% or even more.

For simple provisional utility applications, the total cost with Sherinian Law, including drawings, legal fees and filing, can be less than $3,700. View our prices here.

While it’s possible to file for a patent yourself, our clients find the work it takes to do it right and remain assured that their inventions are protected in the best manner possible, more than pays for our low fees.

You Can Mark Your Product as Patent Pending.

Being able to mark your product as patent pending let’s the entire world know that you have staked your claim and that competitors that copy your product do so at their peril. Once a provisional patent application is on file you are able to mark any covered product as patent pending.

You Get An Entire Year to Perfect Your Invention.

A provisional patent application gets you an entire year to file a non-provisional application. During that year if you make additional changes to your invention, you can file additional provisional applications, or file the new material in your non-provisional application. Additional provisional applications can often be filed at a much lower cost than the original provisional application. And, at the end of a year, you can file a non-provisional application that claims priority to all of your provisional applications.

Some Important Things To Remember
All of this sounds great so far. So why wouldn’t everyone just file a provisional patent application and be done with it? Here’s some of the reasons why.

A Provisional Patent Application Only Lasts One Year.

Once it is on file a provisional patent application stays in force for exactly one year. During that period the owner of the patent application can mark any corresponding products as patent pending. And at any time during the year, the applicant can file a non-provisional application that claims priority to the provisional patent application.

A Provisional Patent Application Cannot Be Extended.

The one year term of a provisional patent application cannot be extended. If no non-provisional application is filed during the one year term of the provisional application that claims priority to the provisional application, the provisional application expires.

A Provisional Patent Application Cannot Be Renewed.

The one year term of a provisional patent application cannot be renewed. If a non-provisional application is not filed during the term of the provisional application that claims priority tot he provisional application, the provisional application expires.

Patent Types

Watch Our Video

Here’s a short video describing the different types of patents. Konrad Sherinian covers a lot of the basics, including the three main types of patents:

    • Utility Patents
    • Design Patents
    • Plant Patents

Let’s Talk About Your Invention

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Whether you are at the initial starting stage, or trying to protect and enforce what you’ve already have, we can help patent and protect your idea or invention. Reach out to us today. We will quickly set up a time to discuss your intellectual property with an experienced patent attorney.

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Patent FAQs

Here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions about patents. Open each to see our pages dedicated to that topic.

Costs, Fees & Prices

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Patent Applications

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Patent Enforcement

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Licensing a Patent

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What makes The Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, LLC the best choice for a Naperville patent lawyer?

Our firm stands out for its experienced attorneys with technical expertise, comprehensive patent services, personalized attention, and a track record of successful results. We are committed to protecting your inventions and providing innovative solutions tailored to your needs.

What types of patents can your attorneys handle?

Our attorneys have successfully handled a wide range of patent applications, including mechanical, software, business method, electrical, electronic, and design patents. We stay updated on the latest developments in patent law to provide effective strategies for various patent types.

How can your firm help with international patent protection?

Our attorneys are admitted to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office and have extensive experience in procuring patent protection worldwide. We have established a strong network of counsel globally to assist you in obtaining comprehensive patent rights internationally.

Can you assist in licensing my patents?

Absolutely. Our experienced patent attorneys can help you license your patents to companies in relevant industries. We conduct thorough market research, identify potential licensees, and assist in developing persuasive pitches to maximize the value of your inventions.

How can I benefit from strategic patent portfolio management?

Strategic patent portfolio management is crucial for achieving your business goals. Whether you need to create a defensive or offensive patent portfolio, our experienced attorneys will develop a tailored strategy to protect your interests and secure your competitive advantage.

What if a dispute arises regarding my patent rights?

In the event of a dispute, our firm has a proven track record in patent litigation. Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in district courts nationwide, providing effective representation within a reasonable budget. We explore insurance coverage options whenever possible.

How do you ensure personalized attention and tailored solutions from a right patent attorney?

At The Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, LLC, we believe in building strong relationships with our clients. We take the time to understand your patent-related challenges and provide personalized attention and tailored solutions that address your specific needs. We collaborate closely with you to ensure your success.

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Experienced Patent Attorneys

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian have extensive experience in patent matters. We’ve helped clients obtain numerous patents, including more difficult categories such as software, electronics, and the mechanical arts. We have obtained numerous patents in the United States and throughout the world. In addition, we have litigated patent cases on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants in District Courts throughout the United States.