How do I file a provisional patent application?

[achimelech51]

I want to use the provisional patent application to test my invention

[victorio83]

You have a couple of options:

1. You can file your application yourself by going to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) http://www.uspto.gov/patents/process/file/efs/index.jsp

2. You can hire a professional company such as this one http://www.noroip.com/patent-services/patent-application/ to file your application for you. Hiring a professional company might have advantages because then you would have the benefit of having a Patent Attorney or Patent Agent to look over your application to make sure you aren't missing anything that could cause problems one year from now when you go to file your non-provisional application.

Good Luck!

[arrigo]

The DIRECT answer is to learn how to file one using the USPTO provided forms and do it ONLINE...

I say ONLINE because the "Luddite Penalty" of $400 is coming Oct 16 2011 if you file by US Mail. So HURRY if you LOVE paper filing! See this page about this fee.. http://provisionalpatentcourse.com/non-provisional-patent/provisional-patent-application-america-invents-act-explained/

When you file online you get your confirmation RIGHT AWAY and can put "Patent Pending" on your product immediately. See the Provisional Patent Video Course as one way of doing it quickly http://provisionalpatentvideo.com/ Also see the top 10 reasons in the second video here http://www.filepatentapplications.com/blog/ that shows WHY you might want to file a Provisional Patent.

You mention "test my invention". I am not sure what you mean by that as even if your invention does not yet FULLY work you can still file a provisional patent application with complete disclosure explaining every aspect of your inventive idea. See the http://provisionalpatentvideo.com/ website to learn what you need to do to properly file and or prepare yourself for an attorney.

If my post was helpful can you vote for it? I would appreciate it!