Provisional and Utility Patent Applications
It was a stroke of genius.
Now make sure that it’s protected.
There are two main types of patent applications — utility patents and design patents. The nature of your invention will determine which avenue(s) you wish to embark on, as each focusing on protecting different aspects of an invention.
A design patent application aims to protect non-functional, ornamental, or aesthetic aspects of your invention. Design patents essentially protect the look of the product. Once the USPTO approves a design patent application, it will last for 15 years from the date of issuance.
A utility patent application focuses on the functional, utilitarian aspects of an invention—how a product functions. One the USPTO approved a utility patent, it will last for 20 years from the filing date.
To complicate things more, you will want to determine whether or not to file your application as provisional or non-provisional. A provisional patent application will allow the inventor a quick and more affordable option to claim “patent pending” status. These application are not examined by the USPTO, and automatically expire after one year from the date that they are filed. After this time period expires, you will want to file a non-provisional patent application. These are more comprehensive and requires the inventor to develop a set of patent claims to limit the scope of what aspects they are hoping to protect. These non-provisional patent application are assigned to an examining attorney at the USPTO, who will thoroughly examine the invention’s eligibility for patent protection.
Gugliotta & Gugliotta, LPA’s registered patent attorneys provide flat fee patent application services for either design patents or utility patents, whether provisional or non-provisional. This service includes preparing a patent application, developing informal drawings, and providing detailed descriptions of the invention. Contact us today for a free consultation!