Questions Executives Should Ask About NY Patent Applications
Securing a patent can be a complex process that requires expertise, and prospective inventors should be wary of tackling the process themselves3 min read
Securing a patent can be a complex process that requires expertise, and prospective inventors should be wary of tackling the process themselves. Provisional patent applications stand as an essential way of protecting an invention in the United States. This type of application does not provide a full patent that you can enforce, but it creates an official priority date and allows you to use language like “Patent Pending." Provisional patent applications generally require disclosures and drawings, but typically do not need formal patent claims.
However, for many people, the process for filing provisional patent applications remains unclear. Applicants should bear in mind that local regulations differ from state-to-state, and the same goes for the patent process. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) from New York-based inventors to help make the process of filing a provisional patent application go as smoothly as possible.
What Is a Provisional Patent Application?
A provisional patent application is a legal document that allows the inventor to secure the earliest possible priority date for their invention. This date marks the beginning of the patent process and ensures that no other inventors can claim the same invention after the priority date. Patent priority dates are essential when there is more than one inventor because the first inventor with, say, a patent application, has the legal priority over other claimants.
The provisional patent application does not begin the patent process in the same way that a normal non-provisional patent application would, but it serves as a placeholder and allows inventors to buy themselves a year before having to decide if they want to finance a more comprehensive, expensive non-provisional patent.
Who Needs a Provisional Patent Application?
In theory, any inventor who is thinking about patenting their invention should register a provisional patent application, especially if someone else is already in possession of the same invention. It can be a complicated process to determine who has priority over an invention, but a provisional patent application helps avoid any doubt or conflict over the ownership of the invention.
If you plan to get a full patent, it's also important to note that you need to have your provisional patent application accepted before you can submit your non-provisional patent application. Doing this helps avoid any overlap between the two documents, and so submit your provisional patent application ahead of time to make sure everything is in order before you file the full patent.
What Is the Role of Patent Attorneys?
Attorneys who specialize in filing patent applications can be extremely helpful when working to ensue the patent application process goes off without a hitch. Attorneys who localize to New York State and the patent requirements will help you wade through the higher legal standards such as those set forth by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Moreover, patent attorneys play an integral role in making sure the information presented on the patent is detailed and accurate. Furthermore, they provide input on market intelligence and help clients make the best decisions about the use of their product or invention. Lastly, patent attorneys will also be able to keep clients updated on any legal issues that may arise from patent infringement.
What Information Is Needed to File a Provisional Patent Application?
The USPTO requires that all provisional patent applications include a description of the invention, a set of drawings of the invention, and an abstract of the disclosure. It's important to note that provisional patent applications do not need to include patent claims, which helps reduce filing costs. However, it's recommended to include as much detail as possible for any invention as the more detailed version of the description submitted in the provisional patent application, the better the chance for filing a successful non-provisional patent.
Should I File a Provisional Patent Application Myself?
The answers to this question depends on the circumstances, as the filing process for a provisional application is not always easy and may involve delicate details that may be difficult to understand or interpret without an experienced attorney.
Moreover, if the invention is too complex or requires a high level of skill to understand the details of filing a patent, it’s probably best to consult a patent attorney. Patent attorneys understand the local laws and regulations more than someone who has never tackled the patent process, so you should leave the work to a professional.
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Provisional patent applications act as a foundational step in the patent process, and filing one should remain a priority if you are serious about protecting your invention. Because filing patents requires specialized knowledge, prospective inventors should seek out the services of an experienced local patent attorney to make sure the filing gets done correctly, and any questions that come up during the filing process can be answered quickly and accurately.
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