How do I write a good provisional patent application?

A provisional patent - as you may already know - helps you buy some time (up to a year ) as you market and possibly develop your idea. This way, if the idea gains traction at some point during the year, you can convert this provisional patent to a fully-fledged utility patent. If not this, you can simply let it expire or lapse after testing the waters and realizing that it wasn't such a good idea to invest hundred of hours and thousands of dollars paying for a utility patent.

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That being said, here is a quick primer on how to craft a provisional patent:

1. Research Thoroughly

Even before of thinking of filing for a provisional patent, you should first of all do a comprehensive patent search to know whether or not the idea you are interested in has already received another patent protection. Apart from that, conducting a separate search to ascertain that there haven't been any similar inventions that are patented is also a good way of avoiding a corporate lawsuit later. At the same time, you are also likely to come across suggestions of many available unpatented ideas that are in case yours is already taken. Either way, doing a thorough patent search is inevitable as long as you are considering to copyright your innovation.

2. Be Simple, Focused but Thorough

The provisional patent application ought to paint the picture of a unique innovation by listing the specific features/benefits that prove its novelty. In other words, a well-thought and thorough profile is likely to increase the chances of your application getting approved.

3. The Application Package

The full application package ought to tie in the following;

a. The specification of the innovation

b. A drawing of the innovation

c. The filing fee

d. The USPTO Cover

As far as the main body goes, it should consist of the Description of the Innovation, Tittle, Abstract, and the Claim.

Nowadays, you also have to include the drawings of the invention. These can be scanned into the main text area, sketched by hand or designed by CAD, manuals, design software or Powerpoint. Next up is the Claims that describe in detail what the patent seeks to protect. You don't have to include this, but it is recommended that you have them on your provisional patent application.

Lastly, you will have to paste an abstract that summarizes your invention. For this part, it is easier to re-state ( in a few words ) what you had described in the Claims.

The best way to draft a provisional patent application? Ideally, it’s with the assistance of a patent attorney. Patent lawyers do this stuff for a living and will maneuver the application process so that your utility patent application will be a seamless experience. Feel free to visit ANTLawyers.vn. Our legal marketplace is competitively priced, easy-to-use, and backed by a satisfaction guarantee. We offer free consultations to help make sure you’re hiring an attorney that will help you grow your vision. Good luck!