February 23, 2026
Inventors don't find out their provisional spec was inadequate until nonprovisional examination — 12 months later. Here's what's required and why the disclosure standard is what protects you.
February 20, 2026
A provisional patent application secures your priority date — but only if the specification meets the §112(a) standard examiners apply. Here's the process, from documentation to USPTO Patent Center filing.
February 18, 2026
Not sure what happens after you file a provisional? The 12-month clock is firm, unextendable, and the USPTO sends no reminders. Here's what you need to do before it expires.
February 12, 2026
Provisional patent application total cost runs $2,000–$5,000 with professional preparation. USPTO fees alone are $65–$325. Here's the complete 2026 breakdown by entity type and invention complexity.
February 10, 2026
A provisional patent application establishes your priority date but never gets examined. A non-provisional enters the examination queue and can issue as an enforceable patent. The choice depends on your timeline, development stage, and the quality of your disclosure.