Utility Patent vs. Provisional Patent	A provisional patent is just a reservation for a utility (or "non-provisional") patent. A provisional patent never gets examined, and just sits at the PTO until you "cash in" your provisional patent reservation by filing the non-provisional patent (within 12 months). Provisional Patents (Application) Utility Patents When filed allows you to say "Patent Pending" When filed allows you to say "Patent Pending" Is never examined by itself Is examined by itself Costs more in the long run Costs less in the long run Costs less up-front Costs more up-front   Other Questions: How do I get started with a Utility Patent Application? How do I get started with a Provisional Patent Application? What's the difference between a utility patent and a design patent? Answer...
Kevin Prince Registered Patent Agent Turn on video auto-start for entire site.