What is the significance of the term ‘nonprovisional’ in patent applications?

What is the significance of the term ‘nonprovisional’ in patent applications?

The term ‘nonprovisional’ in patent applications is significant because it distinguishes these applications from provisional applications:

• Examination: Nonprovisional applications undergo substantive examination by the USPTO, while provisional applications do not.
• Patent Grant: Only nonprovisional applications can mature into granted patents.
• Duration: Nonprovisional applications have a standard 20-year term from the filing date, while provisional applications expire after 12 months.
• Content Requirements: Nonprovisional applications must include formal patent claims and other specific elements not required in provisional applications.

The MPEP 201.01 mentions nonprovisional applications in the context of original applications: ‘Original applications include all applications other than reissue applications. Original applications may be nonprovisional or provisional.’

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

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

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

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