Provisional Patent Application

A Provisional Patent Application is a preliminary, low-cost filing with the USPTO that establishes a priority date for your invention.

After filing, you have 12 months to complete and file the official patent application (Utility Patent), and you’re allowed to mark your product “Patent Pending” in the meantime.

Why use this service at AWE Global?

Establishes an early priority date

Much lower cost than filing a full patent application right away.

12 months to complete

Time to test and raise funding before filing the official application.

“Patent Pending” status

You’re allowed to announce pending-patent status when launching your product.

Process

01Assess the novelty and protectability of the invention

02Prepare a technical description and drawings (if any)

03File the provisional patent application with the USPTO

04Advise on the roadmap to complete the official application within 12 months

Documents / information needed

Detailed description of the idea/invention
Illustrative drawings or diagrams (if any)
Inventor information

Common mistakes to avoid

Believing a provisional application is an official patent — in reality it only establishes a priority date and is not yet granted protection.
Not filing the official application within 12 months, causing the priority right to fully expire.
A sparse invention description without enough technical detail to serve as a basis for the later official application.

Frequently asked questions

Is a provisional application protected immediately?

No, this step only establishes a priority date; you need to file the official application (Utility Patent) within 12 months to be considered for actual protection.

Is filing a provisional application cheaper than the official one?

Yes, this is one reason a provisional application is favored to establish rights early at low cost.

Can I amend the content after filing a provisional application?

You can’t amend the content already filed, but the subsequent official application can expand on and add detail to it.