What is the difference between a provisional and a non-provisional patent application?

In Washington, patent law is intended to protect inventors and give them exclusive rights to their inventions. The two most common types of patent applications are provisional and non-provisional, and they each provide different levels of protection. A provisional patent application, or PPA, is the less expensive and easier to apply for of the two types. This type of application focuses on providing the inventors with “patent pending” status. It does not undergo a full examination like a non-provisional patent application, and is effective for a year. Additionally, a PPA does not include a formal claims section so the scope of coverage is not as clear. A non-provisional patent application, or NPLA, is the more expensive and complex of the two types. This type of patent application is detailed, and reviewed thoroughly and carefully by the US Patent and Trademark Office. It has a formal claims section, and provides a higher level of protection for the inventor. Unlike a provisional patent, the non-provisional application is effective for twenty years. In conclusion, there are two types of patent applications available in Washington State: provisional and non-provisional. A provisional patent application is less expensive and easier to file, and provides “patent pending” status, while a non-provisional patent application is more expensive and complex, but provides a higher level of protection for the inventor.

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What is the difference between a provisional and a non-provisional patent application?

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