Can you file a provisional patent by yourself?

The provisional patent form protects the idea for one year from the filing date. This is why hiring a patent lawyer to submit the provisional patent application is often recommended. While you can do it yourself, the research alone can become overwhelming and take up a lot of your time.

Can you file a patent as an individual?

You can file a patent application on behalf of yourself or your co-inventors. Alternatively, you can hire a registered patent agent or attorney to file your application for you. Patent applications require both legal and technical expertise and even small mistakes can dramatically compromise the value of the patent.

How do I file a provisional patent electronically?

Filing a provisional patent application online

1. Go to the USPTO website uspto.gov.
2. Click on the link called “patents file online”
3. Click on the link for “unregistered” filer – or try this link for direct access.
4. Fill in your name (last and first) and your email address.

How much do lawyers charge for a provisional patent?

Provisional Patent Cost A provisional patent is critical when you want to protect your rights but are not yet ready to invest in a patent. Overall, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,500 with $70 to $300 going towards USPTO filing fees and $1,000 to $3,500+ for attorney fees.

What is needed to file a provisional patent application?

A provisional patent application requires the names of all inventors, a cover sheet that identifies the invention, and the filing fee.

How do I write a provisional patent application?

A provisional patent application is fairly simple, but it must include the following:

1. A written, detailed description of the invention.
2. Drawings or illustrated figures that support the invention.
3. Text that describes the drawings or figures.
4. Your name and contact information.
5. Your lawyer’s name and contact information.

How do I pay for a provisional patent?

Payment by check or money order must be made payable to “Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.” The provisional application papers (written description and drawings), filing fee and cover sheet can be filed electronically using EFS-Web or filed by mail.

How long does it take to get a provisional patent?

Patent pending starts from the time you submit a patent application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It ends when they grant or deny you a patent. Most applications are pending for one to three years. However, it can take three to five years or longer for applications involving software or electronics.