A provisional application allows you to secure an early filing date for the invention with simplified filing requirement and lower patenting cost. There is a 12-month period to assess the patentability and commercial viability of the invention before committing to higher cost of patent prosecution.
In general, the Date of Filing is the earliest date on which the documents filed with the IPOS have satisfied the following conditions:
- The documents indicate that a patent is sought;
- The documents identify the applicant for the patent; and
- The documents contain a description of the invention.
If the Registrar determines that all requirements for a Date of Filing have been complied with, it will issue the applicants with a Date of Filing Notification.
If the Registrar determines that any of the requirements have not been complied with, a deficiency letter will be issued and the applicant will have 2 months to remedy the deficiencies, failing which the application will be treated as abandoned.
The application form and fees should be submitted within 1 month to complete the provisional application. Failure to do so would result in the application being treated as abandoned.
Apply via
IPOS Digital Hub through Patents Form 1. Payment can be made by GIRO,
debit card or credit card (Mastercard or Visa).