Patent protection in a hurry.
10/27/2003
Securing a patent can be a costly, time-consuming business. And that's where a "provisional application for patent" can help you. This Web page, produced by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, outlines the procedures and benefits of submitting a provisional application, which can provide up to a year of patent protection while you conduct further research for your invention. Other benefits include a lower initial investment than a formal patent application, establishment of an official patent application filing date for the invention, and use of the "Patent Pending" notice in connection with the invention.