Can I file a provisional patent application?

Yes, you can file a provisional patent application. It provides an easier and less expensive way to establish an early filing date. Filing a provisional application establishes your priority for an invention, allowing you to use the term "patent pending" while you work on its full development. A provisional application is not examined by the USPTO, and it provides a one-year window to decide whether to pursue a non-provisional application. While a provisional application does not mature into an issued patent, it serves as a temporary placeholder to preserve your rights. This type of application can be a valuable tool for inventors seeking extra time to refine their inventions, secure funding, or find potential licensees.