We have been asked by our clients about the pros and cons of filing a US Provisional Application for Patent. In summary, the USPTO Provisional Application for Patent article provides a detailed list of Cautions and Features.
For example, below are some of the listed Features:
* Provides simplified filing with a lower initial investment with 12 months to assess the invention's commercial potential before committing to the higher cost of filing and prosecuting a non-provisional application for patent;
* Establishes an official United States patent application filing date for the invention;
* Permits 12 month's authorization to use "Patent Pending" notice in connection with the description of the invention;
* Enables immediate commercial promotion of the invention with greater security against having the invention stolen;
* Preserves application in confidence without publication in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 122(b) , effective November 29, 2000;
Take care,
Felix
