Can you file a late foreign patent application?

Can you file a late foreign patent application based on Paris Convention? We’ve talked about filing late PCT and national stage applications. But, what if you are thinking about filing a direct foreign patent application claiming priority to a US priority application? What are your late foreign patent filing options under the Paris Convention? More […]

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What is a provisional patent application (PPA)?

What is a provisional patent application? If your goal is to obtain a utility patent, a provisional patent application (PPA) can be an inexpensive way to start the process. Filing a provisional application alone will not get you across the finish line. Think of a provisional patent application as the beginning of a race that […]

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What to do after filing a provisional patent application

Next steps after filing a provisional patent application So you’ve filed a provisional patent application. Now what? The next steps depend upon a few factors. Keep in mind the 1-year deadline as you think through these factors. Are you further developing the concept? If your concept is at an early stage of development, you may […]

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Provisional vs. nonprovisional patent application: What are differences?

What are the differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications? A nonprovisional patent application is normally considered the regular utility patent application. It’s what you file to get the USPTO to examine your utility application and hopefully grant your patent. A provisional patent application, on the other hand, does not get reviewed. If done correctly, however, […]

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