Provisional Patent
A provisional patent application is your first step toward patent protection. It establishes an official filing date with the USPTO and gives you 12 months of "patent pending" status. During that time, you can test your product, pitch to investors, or start selling, all with the confidence that your filing date is locked in.
I draft each provisional application with the same level of detail and care that goes into a full patent application. This means a thorough written description of your invention, a review of any drawings or sketches you have, and a claims outline that sets the foundation for your future non-provisional filing.
You do not need a finished product to file. If you have detailed sketches, CAD drawings, or a clear written description of how your invention works, that is enough to get started.
What's Included
- Detailed description of your invention
- Claims outline
- Drawings review
- USPTO filing
- Filing receipt confirmation
Timeline
Typically 2 to 3 weeks from kickoff
Ideal For
Inventors who want to lock in an early filing date and get patent pending status before sharing their invention with manufacturers, investors, or the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I patent my idea if I haven't built it yet?
Yes, you can file a patent application without a physical prototype. The USPTO requires that you describe your invention in enough detail that someone skilled in the field could make and use it. Detailed sketches, CAD files, or a thorough written description are all sufficient to move forward with a provisional application.
Do I need a patent before I sell my product?
No, you do not need a granted patent before you start selling. However, you should file at least a provisional patent application before any public disclosure or sale. Filing first protects your right to patent the invention later and lets you use "patent pending" on your product while the process continues.