Are provisional patent applications examined?
No, provisional patent applications are not examined. The MPEP 504 clearly states: “Provisional applications will not be examined.” Provisional applications serve as a placeholder to establish a priority date and are not subject to substantive examination by the USPTO.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers,
MPEP 504 - Assignment of Application for Examination,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure