The whole process of getting a patent can be a very costly venture.
Provisional Patent – is temporary
Non Provisional Patent – is a true ‘Patent’
If you have a great idea and want to put some form of protection on that idea before others do then the fastest way is to apply for a Provisional Patent.
This allows you to file the Provisional Patent and locks an earlier date of filing since your Provisional Patent can have less detail than a Non Provisional Patent. Although this is less expensive you can easily spend a few thousand getting your figures and documentation together.
You have a 1 year window after successfully applying for a Provisional Patent before filing for your Non Provisional Patent which could easily cost 10 thousand in documentation and legal fees. However this cost can be dramatically reduced if you supply all the documentation figures and file on your own.
In my experience due to the many aspects and particulars involved in the patent process its not straight forward and you could leave out important details if you do not use someone ‘skilled in the art’.
If you need a Patent Agent/Power of Attorney to help you with your patent contact me and I can give you a referral.