Got a Great Idea? Protect It With A Provisional Patent Application

(ARA)  So you've got an idea that you know is going to change your life.  What's the first thing you do?  

Most people think they should call a lawyer and patent it right away, but if that lawyer is looking out for your best interests, he or she may tell you to slow down and fill out a Provisional Patent Application (PPA) instead.

Less expensive and easier to file than a full (non-provisional) patent application, a provisional application filing buys you time (up to 12 months) to figure out how to market your newest invention and raise much needed capital, while allowing you to claim ownership of the idea as of the date of the filing. Securing a priority filing date is critical because as far as the U.S. government is concerned, ownership rights go to the person who can prove he or she came up with the idea first.

Another benefit of filing a PPA is that your invention gains "patent pending" status immediately. Your application will be accepted as long as it contains all the required sections and fees; you do not have to wait for an acceptance or rejection decision at this stage.  

And unlike non-provisional applications, a PPA is not subject to the Patent Office's 18 month publication rule.  Provisional applications are instead kept confidential.  This allows you the option of keeping the details of your invention secret until after a full patent application is filed on it, which can be up to a year following the PPA date.  Even on the off chance you realize you'll need more than a year for testing or other reasons, your invention will remain under wraps by simply allowing the PPA to expire.  

A lawyer would charge you about $1800 to prepare the paperwork associated with a provisional patent, but there's a place smart inventors can turn to for help at a fraction of the cost. The nation's leading online legal service center, LegalZoom.com, can do the job for just $299 -- $199 for the application and $100 for the required government filing fee.

Founded by attorneys who have worked at some of the most prestigious law firms in the country, including O.J. Simpson defense attorney Robert Shapiro, the company's main purpose is to simplify the law and make it accessible to everyone.  LegalZoom.com offers high quality, customized legal documents at up to 85 percent less than what a lawyer might charge.  

First, complete a short questionnaire prepared by experienced attorneys.  Once submitted, the material is reviewed for consistency and common mistakes.  LegalZoom then prepares your provisional patent application. If you need assistance at any time, all you have to do is call or email customer service.  

For your convenience, the company can even prepare professional technical drawings or conduct a patent search for you. Once you've reviewed and accepted the documents, LegalZoom will file your application electronically with the U.S. Patent Office and you will receive an official letter of approval by mail.

In addition to provisional patent applications, LegalZoom offers design patent filings, as well as copyrights, trademarks, incorporations, divorces, wills, living trusts, name changes, and several other document services. Log on to www.legalzoom.com or call (800) 773-0888 between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm PST, Monday through Friday for pricing or other information.

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