In this first-to-file world, provisional patent applications are a critical part of every TTO’s overall patent strategy. They’re quick, easy, and can usually be prepared with minimal expense. They offer a crucial placeholder for technologies that you still need time to develop and assess, affording you more time to determine whether to commit your resources toward converting to a formal patent application.
But, make one small mistake on the application and the results can be devastating. Poorly drafted provisionals can be useless or even worse, they can be used against you to prove your invention was not more than a vague concept at the time of filing. As a result, you don’t get the priority date, and your ability to later convert the provisional could be destroyed.
DON’T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU OR YOUR FACULTY INVENTORS! Register today for:
Optimal Use of Provisional Patent Applications:
Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid
Technology Transfer Tactics has recruited two patent experts: Dale S. Lazar and Timothy Lohse, both partners at DLA Piper LLP (US), to lead this 90-minute webinar regarding provisional patent applications, their benefits and limitations, and best practices for using the applications.
Join us as the panel reviews these key issues:
- Under what circumstances will a patent claimant get the most out of a provisional patent application?
- Benefits and limitations of provisionals
- Identifying and preventing common and damaging mistakes with provisionals
- Drawings in provisionals: yes, no, or maybe
- Potential issues with “coversheet” provisionals
- Meeting written description and disclosure requirements under 35 U.S.C. 112
- Should you tie non-provisional patent applications to provisional applications?
Your program leaders
Timothy Lohse, Partner, DLA Piper. Timothy concentrates in patent prosecution, patent litigation and patent counseling. He also provides patent preparation and prosecution in software and related technologies as well as mechanical, electromechanical and electrical technologies. He is also experienced in patent re-examinations.
Dale S. Lazar, Partner, DLA Piper. Dale concentrates his practice in patenting electronic technology, patenting and copyrighting computer hardware and software, litigating patents and copyrights, negotiating and drafting licenses for patents and software, and preparing software-related agreements. He has also been involved in analyzing electronic and computer-related patents and copyright for infringement and validity.
