Is there such a thing as a Provisional Patent?

No!

There is only a Provisional Patent Application and it expires after one year. It does not become a Patent. There are a couple of good reasons to do this (links below), but for the most part, getting a Patent starting with a Provisional Patent Application is more expensive than the traditional route of filing a Non-provisional (Regular) Patent Application, which, when allowed, does result in a Patent. When Should I File a Provisional Patent Application?

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The content of this article is not intended to be, and does not constitute, legal advice and does not create attorney-client privilege. Consult the attorney of your choice before embarking on any legal matter or any document preparation/filing.

Dr. Thomas R. (Terry) Williamson III is a Patent Attorney practicing in Atlanta, Georgia.

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