Are provisional patent applications classified and assigned to examiners?

No, provisional patent applications are not classified or assigned to examiners. According to MPEP 909.01(b):

“Provisional applications are not classified or assigned since they are not examined.”

This is because provisional applications serve as a placeholder to establish a priority date and are not subject to examination. Only nonprovisional utility applications undergo the classification and assignment process for examination purposes.

To learn more:

• provisional patent applications
• patent examination
• USPTO procedures