LawInfo

Patents FAQs

• What is a patent?
  According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USTPO), a patent for an invention is a grant of property rights by the U.S. Government through the U.S. … more
• Who may apply for a patent?
  According to the law, only the inventor may apply for a patent, with certain exceptions. If a person who is not the inventor should apply for a patent, the patent, if … more
• What is a provisional patent application?
  Since June 8, 1995, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has offered inventors the option of filing a provisional patent application, also known as a … more
• What are the advantages of filing a provisional patent application?
  The advantage of a provisional patent is that it's much faster and easier to file than a standard patent application. A standard patent application can take months to … more
• What is the difference between a provisional patent application and a non-provisional one?
  A provisional patent has a 12­month pendency period from the date of filing. The U.S. Patent Office will not grant extensions for any reason. A patent inventor … more
• What does the provisional patent application need to include?
  The provisional patent application must be made in the name(s) of all of the inventor(s). It can be filed up to one year following the date of first sale, offer for … more
• How do I turn a provisional patent application into a full one?
  Once a provisional application is filed, an alternative to filing a corresponding non­provisional application is to convert the provisional application to a … more
• What does the non-provisional patent application need to include?
  A non­provisional application for a patent is made to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents and includes: 1. A written document which comprises a specification … more
• Should I hire a lawyer?
  Filing for a non­provisional patent application is very complicated and the requirements are strict. As you see, it is best to have all parts of the application … more

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