What are the required components of a provisional patent application?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

According to MPEP 201.04, the required components of a provisional patent application are:

• A specification as prescribed by 35 U.S.C. 112(a)
• Any drawings required by 37 CFR 1.81(a)
• A cover sheet as required by 37 CFR 1.51(c)(1), which may be an application data sheet, form SB/16, or a cover letter identifying the application as provisional

The MPEP states, No amendment, other than to make the provisional application comply with the patent statute and all applicable regulations, may be made to the provisional application after the filing date of the provisional application.

For more information on patent drawings, visit: patent drawings.

For more information on provisional application, visit: provisional application.