For a copy of my new book Provisional Patents, go to Amazon: bit.ly/43RWr2L Send an email to info@carrferrell.com to speak with an attorney. Send an email to johnferrellesq.news@carrferrell.com to subscribe to our newsletter!
Thanks! Sadly that crappy USPTO page has a logon loop when trying to logon when filing. So ridiculous. Basically when already logged on and click on "Utility Provisional" it says "Want to logon?" and if press "sign in" it does same thing again. Sigh...
Saw now. Thanks for replying so promptly. The address on My driver's license is a silicon valley address also, by the way. I did and honestly that patent office website has been somewhat disappointing. Did the entire provisional patent filing process and then tried to pay the fee for filing that provisional patent application, but that website failed to process that. I have an application #, etcetera, but none of those seemed searchable when I tried to pay that fee for that PPA again. How to find that PPA and get that done? Thanks in advance for answering how to do that, if possible. When going ahead with filing the full patent, are My short list of patent attorneys that I would likely choose from. By the way, friends with daniel kottke? Seem to be from that era there. @@johnferrellesq.
Just filed some patent applications using this video as a guide whilst I was doing it. Got to say i would have messed up ths submissions without this video. Superb in a word, Thank you!
Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? Warmest wishes, -john
@@johnferrellesq. Hi the reason your video was some good was firstly because it was very close to the current USPTO site interface and secondly the excellent description and pace of the explanation. You might know the system but the viewers probably dont . So describing each section was hugely beneficial , especially why sections can be skipped and the reasoning.To the second part of your question. I would suggest a video on the how to write a detailed description of the drawingsand the specific elements , which seem to be large part of any patent. In particular how to structure the numbering system and the rationale behind it.For must viewers i would say that cant afford a patent attorney but want to develop there applications as fully as possible to maybe attract investment, this would be very helpful i think. It has to be significant portion of the cost of the attorneys cost and ultimately the description of the drawings comes from the inventor in the first place.Hope this helps and is only my opinion. Cheers
@@simonsimmonds6257 Thank you for the comments. I think this might be the video you are asking for: th-cam.com/video/dDwEuuZPHZY/w-d-xo.html. Warmest regards, -john
Really strange......contacted by someone who wants to discuss my invention.....all I could think was "PATENT" in the back of my mind.....absolutely loved your video and really appreciate people such as yourself......and thanks for the new surge of enthusiasm to get my patent filed.
Thank you so much for doing this!!! I've been working on this invention idea since 2012! Lol. The patent people I was going to work with wanted to charge me hundreds of dollars to submit the form for me, but you made it so much simpler! I really appreciate it. I'm always showing people how they can DIY things that I have expertise in, and I appreciate that you also do this, as well. When I need a patent attorney, I'll definitely give you a call.
Thank you for watching my videos and for the kind words. It’s so great to have you as part of our entrepreneur community. What kind of products do you work on? Please let me know if there are any other videos you would like to see me make. Warmest wishes. -john
Thank you for the kind words. I make the videos to help the entrepreneur community and am so happy that you are finding value in these uploads. What kind of product (generally) are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? Warmest regards, -john
God bless you John Ferrell! You are an angel for making this incredibly helpful and practical video. Such a saving of time and frustration. Thank you thank you thank you❣️
Mom, is this you posting again? Otherwise, AZ, I have to tell you that as a lawyer I don't get referred to as an angel very often, but I am so happy this video helped you. Your words were very kind. Warmest regards,-john
Thank you for watching my video. It’s so great having you in my community. What are you currently working on? Are there specific videos I could make that you would be interested in watching? -john
@@johnferrellesq. I came up with what I called "Inner bottle salt/spice trap". Maybe Martha Stewart or Morton Salts could be interested in my PPA. Thank you Mr. Ferrell.
Luke, Thank you for watching my video. It’s so great having you in my community. What are you currently working on? Are there specific videos I could make that you would be interested in watching? Warmest regards, -john
Thank you very much for taking the time to make a step by step for filing a provisional patent. I have 3 issued patents and have successfully defended one of them in federal court, so I'm no stranger to the importance of words and dates. I came up with an idea in another field of work and doing this quick provisional will be the perfect path for the invention, I hope. Side note, I have worked as a special witness in a court case and had a call the other day from the office of a John Ferrell for another case. Wonder if it may have come from your office. (case was not patent related) Again, thank you very much. Just finished and paid for a provisional. Only problem I had was submitting the documents the webpage dropped everything and I had to start over but because of your excellent guidance, it was a piece of cake.
What a great note! I make the videos to help the entrepreneur community and am so happy that you are finding value in these uploads. What are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? Warmest regards, -john
Thanks so much for this. I was running in circles with the details and unclear language and warnings. Deeply appreciate making the info accessible and easy to follow along.
Thank you for the kind words. I make the videos to help the entrepreneur community and am so happy that you are finding value in these uploads. What are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? -john
Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? -john
thank you for the help! I must forgotten to complete the Micro entity form bevause after I filed electronic PPA I got letter back from USPTO saying I need to declare Micro entity , I have two months to do that
Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? -john
I still can't! Did you have any trouble with Fonts? How about DOCX or docx caps or lower case? what about that signature? Did you see the signature thing? did your title of invention remain at the end or did they delete it for you like they did for me (ten times) was your page number in word in the font "Graphic"? Mine was - didn't know word would do that when they know I chose ARIAL. Did they accept your address instead of a customer number? Not mine .. . Am I very special or do they just like messing with me?
Sean, Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? Warmest regards, -john
To pay your filing fee later, after you have filed your PPA, do the following: You will need to create a myUSPTO account. Here is the USPTO link to get started: www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/getting-started-new-users Once your account is created and logged in, you should see a Pay Fees option under the Existing Submissions tab. From there you will need the application number and confirmation number from your acknowledgement receipt. Since you won’t need to include any documents you can skip to the fees tab. 'Hope this helps!!
Hello John, thank you for your help on the filing process! I am trying to pay my fees after creating my account but it keeps saying my application doesn't exist? I have an application and confirmation number so I'm not sure if I'm missing something? I hope you can help. Thank you once again!
John, love your videos. You make it so easy to understand, without burdening us with "legalese." When you have time, I would love to hear you talk about the different components that go into filing a patent application. Example: The actual application, which is what you talk about here, application data sheet, IDS, etc. Thank you, and please keep showing us the way! :-)
Thank you, Loren, for the kind words. I make the videos to help the entrepreneur community and am so happy that you are finding value in these uploads. What are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? Warmest wishes, -john
This video helped me out a lot. The only thing i would add to this is about the PDF drawings errors pertaining to the size being too big. I ended up shrinking the diagrams to fit the size of paper allowing some padding. Then, in converting the jpeg to pdf, I used adobe acrobat and selected “print” and printed as a PDF then I changed the paper size to A4. I also had to select “off” for almost all of the compression options. Then when I added the pdf diagrams, they took with no errors.
Thank you for the kind words and comments. When I made the video the Patent Center website was new and a bit buggy. There are still some glitches in the PTO website - I hope they fix the drawings limitation soon. What are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? -john
@@johnferrellesq. It’s an idea I have that involves AI assisted person re-identification spawned from the work that I do that involves leveraging surveillance cameras to detect specific objects or people. As far as a video I’d like to see.. Id say seeing the complete process that involves going from a provisional patent, to an actual one. What that entails, what would be expected (patent search, approval process etc) I like how you used an example patent with the jitterbug, but I know going through the actual complete patent process is expensive.. but at the very least, clearly defined steps after the provisional patent has been filled and what might be expected next would help. Bonus A “what if” video on if AI was allowed to do the patent searching. What the impact would be on the cost of filing a patent, on the time it would take to do a patent search, the efficacy of that search, the impact that would make on the patent attorney job market etc. and this is potentially likely since there have been cases of AI assisted defense attorneys. Just an idea Oh! And the impact on the increased number of patents filled by the disenfranchised, because let’s face it, we all have good ideas but not all of us can afford to apply for a patent. Maybe that would change if AI were involved
Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? -john
I appreciate all your great videos. Are there specific types of statements to avoid in the provisional patent application? In other words, are their statements, that if you include them in your PPA, that can limit or jeopardize future steps, with your non-provisional patent, or otherwise? Thank you.
Just filed my PPA following the video. Amazing. I filed one around 2 years ago following another video, but it looks like the website has changed, so this video helped me so much. Thank you so much for doing it. I have a question: how long after submitting it and paying the fee should I receive some confirmation email from them? How can I see that the process went through and how can I check that my PPA is actually active? Thanks again for the help.
Hi Salvatore, Thank you for watching my video; I so glad it was helpful. As for accessing your filed application, if you filed your provisional application as a guest user (without logging into a USPTO account), accessing and reviewing your submission will involve a few steps. Here’s how you can proceed: When you filed the application, the USPTO provided you with an acknowledgment receipt. This receipt includes your provisional application number (e.g., 63/XXXXX) and the filing date. You should also receive a physical copy of this receipt in two to three weeks after filing your application. Unfortunately, as a guest filer, you cannot access your application directly online through a USPTO account since it wasn’t associated with one during filing. However, you can still retrieve your documents by contacting the USPTO directly. Email the USPTO’s Electronic Business Center (EBC) at ebc@uspto.gov or call them at 1-866-217-9197. Provide your application number and filing date and explain that you filed as a guest and need access to your submission details. If necessary, you can request a copy of your submitted documents. The EBC team can guide you through this process, or you can file a written request with the USPTO. To avoid this challenge in the future, consider creating a USPTO account before filing. This will allow you to track and manage your applications more easily through the Patent Center platform. If you are a registered user, provisional patent applications are managed through the USPTO’s Patent Center system. Log in to your USPTO account at (patentcenter.uspto.gov) using the same credentials you used when filing your application. Once logged in, navigate to the "My Workbench" or "Applications" section to see a list of applications associated with your account. If your provisional application doesn’t appear, you can try searching using the provisional application number (starting with a two-digit series code, e.g., 63/XXXXX) and the filing date. After locating your application, you should be able to view and download any submitted documents, such as your specifications, drawings, and the acknowledgment receipt. If you’re still unable to find your application, double-check the email acknowledgment you received after filing, which contains your application number and filing details. If your account isn’t showing any history or it keeps logging you out, you may need to clear your browser cache or try accessing the site using a different browser. Alternatively, you can contact the USPTO’s Electronic Business Center for technical assistance. They’re very responsive and can help resolve login or access issues. Lastly, if you’d like to consult with one of our patent attorneys to assist you in reviewing your application or ensuring everything is in order, email me at jsferrell@carrferrell.com, and I will refer you. Thank you for watching my video. Good luck with your Product!! -john
Thank you for the kind comment. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? -john
Thank you, Shannon. Here is a video that descirbes the document that was uploaded. th-cam.com/video/dDwEuuZPHZY/w-d-xo.html Thank you for watching my videos and for the kind words. It’s so great to have you as part of our entrepreneur community. What kind of products do you work on? Please let me know if there are any other videos you would like to see me make. Warmest wishes. -john
Thank you for the kind words. I make the videos to help the entrepreneur community and am so happy that you are finding value in these uploads. What are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? -john
Good Video. Regarding the document you need to upload..... is there a format that one must follow? Introduction of the IDEA, purpose, intent, benefits, product sketch, how it works, etc etc?
Hello John, I am thankful for your insights! One question: Why did you opt-out of Authorizations to Permit Access to Foreign IP Offices? (You checked not to authorize USPTO to allow access to foreign IP Offices and EPO at the 7:00 minute of your nice video. If e.g. I file a PCT in the 10th month of my PPA filing date, will I then have the priority rights of my UPTO Provisional? Thanks in advance and have a nice weekend! :) Also have in mind that this video you made is gold !!!
Thank you for the comments and the question. In my example, I elected not to authorize the USPTO to allow foreign access because as a small inventor I was not planning to file later for foreign patent protection. In your case since you are filing a PCT application, you should leave this blank. You will want to let foreign patent offices have access to your PPA. If by mistake you check this box anyway, this choice can be changed later when the nonprovisional application is filed. Good luck with your patent!!! -john
Thanks John! So much easier following you. BTW to All, form wasn't accepting three emails unless they were identical. So, accept the error otherwise it won't process to the next page.
Excellent video. You didn’t submit a separate cover sheet file. Was that for brevity or is it not required. Some language above the submission box suggests that it is required.
I m malaysia citizen n our law require us to file in Malaysia first before we can file oversssea a few monts later - that is very unfair as we do not t have provisional application which is what's going I would want to do]]\\\\\\😊😊😊😊
Hi John, I was just wondering does the document showing your invention have to be very detailed and exactly what you intend your invention to be? Thanks!
Yes, you only get the benefit of the PPA filing date for whatever invention you teach in the original filing. You need to show enough detail in the PPA to allow someone with ordinary skill to be able to practice your invention. Warmest regards, -john
Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? -john
Great video, but it would be helpful to know the next steps like where to go to fax the New Customer Number form and how to fill it out. Then, you have to fill out the Patent Electronic System form correctly and mail it once you have your Customer number back. Then once those 2 forms are completed you have to go back in to your submissions and upload the Correction A/122 form to each of your provisional applications. If you do a step by step on those 3 additional forms to complete this Provisional Patent application I think you would be a winner!!!
Thank you for your comment. I am so grateful to have you on my channel. The details of the PPA are shown in this video: th-cam.com/video/dDwEuuZPHZY/w-d-xo.html Please subscribe if you haven't done so already. Warmest wishes. 😊 -john
@@johnferrellesq. How kind you are, Mr. John! Thank you very much. I truely appreciate your prompt response and help. I've already subscribed and I'm liking every video for you :) You dserve the best really. My only problem now is to make the technical diagram, I will do it manually, it's hard as it should be in 3D. Any tips for this? I should do it myself because I don't want others to steal my idea. Thanks once again, you're amazing Mr. John :)
@@basho9306 Hand drawings for a PPA are OK. Make several sketches showing some different view and then scan or photo the drawings and upload them as PDFs. Good luck with this! -john
Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? Warmest regards, -john
@@johnferrellesq. Your welcome! Always looking for companies to license my ideas to. I have a new electrical prototype I'm looking to license. Thank You Again John!
Thank you for the video, John. My questions are: 1) If I have a physical product I am wanting to patent do I select design? 2) If I have multiple designs do I need to file an application for each? Thank you in advance for your response.
Note that a design patent protects the way something looks. A utility patent protects the way something is constructed or how it works. If the designs are closely related then you may be able to combine the designs in the same patent application; otherwise, you will need to file separate applications. 'Hope this helps. Warmest regards, -john
If you filed the Provisional Application as a guest user of the Patent Center, you won’t be able to access it electronically. Note that there is no reason to access it; when you file your NPA (Nonprovisional Patent Application) in 12 months or less, your attorney will reference the serial number of the PPA (Provisional Patent Application) and you will automatically receive the PPA filing date. Warmest regards,-john
Thank you John, this was very helpful. I was wondering if you can answer a question- If I have the product already made and in-hand, can I submit pictures/video of the product, or do I still need to do drawings? Thanks.
If you are filing a PPA, you can submit pictures and video stills as your figures. The format requirements for a PPA are very informal. Warmest wishes, -john
Hi @johnferrellesq, thanks for the fantastic and informative step-by-step video! I have a quick question: We've been filing a provisional patent every month. Is it necessary to file a provisional patent every month, and do I need to file a new one each time?
Hi Amar, without knowing more about your invention and your situation it's hard for me to answer this. If you are creating a new invention each month then monthly PPAs might be reasonable. If you are working on a single invention then monthly updates might be too many. I am sorry I can't be more specific. Thank you for liking, subscribing and leaving your comment! Please let me know if you would like to suggest another video. Warm wishes. -john
Thank you for your great hand holding step-by-step video, John! I managed to submit and pay for my utility provisional patent application! I hit one wrinkle... when I tried to upload file attachments, they were too large, so I proceeded without them. Is there a trick for how to add them after the initial submission?
Thank you for the kind words! Unfortunately, you cannot add to a PPA application once filed. You will need to refile. I didn’t realize there is a file size limit. How big was your document? --john
@johnferrellesq. My 4 documents were .pdf files of design drawings of my invention between 250 to 340k. So are you thinking I, for all intents and purposes, may have wasted $120.00 or is there a way that I can cancel this filing and resubmit it?
@@rcote627 This sounds like some kind of bug. Your PDF files were not that large. Try calling the USPTO help desk at: Toll-Free: 800-786-9199 Local: 571-272-1000. Perhaps there is something they can do to help you. Good luck with this!! -john
Thank you for watching! Could you help me by being a little more specific on your question? Is there a time stamp in the video where you are getting stuck? Warmest wishes, -john
Thank you for the kind words. I make the videos to help the entrepreneur community and am so happy that you are finding value in these uploads. What are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? -john
Hi Flippin1999, as I recall my PPA included 7 pages of text and 5 pages of figures. Yes, figures includes anything that is not text. Hope this this helps. -john
Thank you for the kind comment, Karthi. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? Good luck with your products! -john
today I submit my application provisional through the offical website, but after all step done include payment, I can't find my pplication from system when I use the application number to search the status, why??
If you filed your provisional application as a guest user (without logging into a USPTO account), accessing and reviewing your submission will involve a few steps. Here’s how you can proceed: When you filed the application, the USPTO provided you with an acknowledgment receipt. This receipt includes your provisional application number (e.g., 63/XXXXX) and the filing date. You should also receive a physical copy of this receipt in two to three weeks after filing your application. Unfortunately, as a guest filer, you cannot access your application directly online through a USPTO account since it wasn’t associated with one during filing. However, you can still retrieve your documents by contacting the USPTO directly. Email the USPTO’s Electronic Business Center (EBC) at ebc@uspto.gov or call them at 1-866-217-9197. Provide your application number and filing date and explain that you filed as a guest and need access to your submission details. If necessary, you can request a copy of your submitted documents. The EBC team can guide you through this process, or you can file a written request with the USPTO. To avoid this challenge in the future, consider creating a USPTO account before filing. This will allow you to track and manage your applications more easily through the Patent Center platform. If you are a registered user, provisional patent applications are managed through the USPTO’s Patent Center system. Log in to your USPTO account at (patentcenter.uspto.gov) using the same credentials you used when filing your application. Once logged in, navigate to the "My Workbench" or "Applications" section to see a list of applications associated with your account. If your provisional application doesn’t appear, you can try searching using the provisional application number (starting with a two-digit series code, e.g., 63/XXXXX) and the filing date. After locating your application, you should be able to view and download any submitted documents, such as your specifications, drawings, and the acknowledgment receipt. If you’re still unable to find your application, double-check the email acknowledgment you received after filing, which contains your application number and filing details. If your account isn’t showing any history or it keeps logging you out, you may need to clear your browser cache or try accessing the site using a different browser. Alternatively, you can contact the USPTO’s Electronic Business Center for technical assistance. They’re very responsive and can help resolve login or access issues. Lastly, if you’d like to consult with one of our patent attorneys to assist you in reviewing your application or ensuring everything is in order, email me at jsferrell@carrferrell.com, and I will refer you. Thank you for watching my video. Good luck with your Product!! -john
Thank you for watching my video. It’s so great having you in my community. What are you currently working on? Are there specific videos I could make that you would be interested in watching? -john
Hi John, thanks for sharing your expertise. question, when a provisional patent has been filed is it available online to view? What I mean is, can other people browse through provisional patent fillings? Thanks in-advance A
No. The PPA is not available for public inspection until after the utility application is filed later. If you never file a corresponding utility application the PPA will never be available to the public. 'Hope this helps. -john
If you are assigning the invention to your start-up company then enter your Company's name as the assignee at 7:22. Good luck with your new Company. Let me know if we can help in any way. Warmest regards,-john
WOW! Thank you for that video! Sorry if this is a silly question, but I filed a PPA years ago for an invention, it hasn't changed so to re-file, do I still enter under "New" or do I enter it under "request to reissue"? Thanks
So Helpful!!!! Thank you very much for your time. I am still a little confused about the foreign priority stuff. It seems like I want to allow this just in case I decide to file it in the future???? Any more guidance you could give here? Again thank you for your video.
Thank you for your comment. I am so grateful to have you on my channel. Check out this video on foreign filing: th-cam.com/video/PwEBff1hmvQ/w-d-xo.html Please subscribe if you haven't done so already. Warmest wishes. 😊 -john
@@johnferrellesq. Yep I sure did Subscribe earlier. I know it takes time and money to make these so appreciate the work. Thanks for the video link. I will check that out.
Hi, a quick question for this great video presenter! John, We live in Australia, and wish to file a PPA in US and Australia, and possibly other world regions. Can we use your registration process as non-US Citizens? Thanks mate, Rob
Yes, you can file from Australia. There is no citizenship or residency requirement for filing a patent application in the United States patent office. Good luck with your invention! I hope you crush it. -john
Thank you for your content. I’m new to all of this and NOT computer savvy. I got stuck at the browse files. You have 10 files and I still have 5; do I need to create my own cover page? I am using Chrome Notebook which isn’t helping. What did I miss?
Thank you for your message. Could you give me a time stamp in the video that you are referring to, and I will see if we can help you with this. Warmest regards, -john
When I tried to upload specification pdf file, it was rejected because of a “non-embedded font”, even though it was written by “Times new Roman” font !!! How can I proceed filing? Thanks a lot!!!
This sounds like there was a problem with the PDF file; I have not run across this error message before. You might try calling the USPTO help desk at: Toll-Free: 800-786-9199 Local: 571-272-1000. Good luck with this!! -john
Here is a video that describes the document that was uploaded. th-cam.com/video/dDwEuuZPHZY/w-d-xo.html and my book on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Patent-Pending-Inventors-Provisional-Application/dp/B0DCSJ3HSX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32M2IDGKYJ0G2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hefqdBL4P4tqz6Zyl6h-zqdi37MnHTBsKZxG9PpazO4-5-Im-cGuXBW_GiFw20aHLqyCa3A09foPSw5B2YFHP81cCeJBVsOEoPhVANH6SIUjvck61FjYYn-_px0iIpeujwhFs1yk6eDtiCoTCnAnJEt4EvuTXL_Wxo6pNKpBSLL-m3Kwsg53d-fIHIDl9kBy9d6Vu9uaI7lj3DWpdqtNyY5ylac3KXI1JgU-uzAl5co.HBS16GpBTtQRkC1e1LcoCFbe7WFVeFw03DhN1icHWzI&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+ferrell&qid=1727824988&sprefix=johnferrellesq%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-1 Thank you for watching my videos and for the kind words. It’s so great to have you as part of our entrepreneur community. What kind of products do you work on? Please let me know if there are any other videos you would like to see me make. Warmest wishes. -john
I have not made a video on filing utility application, as the consequences of getting this wrong are much more significant. I think filing a useful utility application is probably out of the reach of most DIY'ers. If you would like to give it a go, many of the instructions in this Step-by-Step video would apply. Warmest regards, -john
So I finally filed my provisional, thanks to your book and videos- and just realized that I didn’t include my entire write up on the product- just photos and diagrams and a title. Should I resubmit another patent application completely? I’ll pay again if need be.
Bummer, but Yes. I think you should re-file if the full written description didn't make it into the original PPA. If your product is successful (which we know it will be 😊) you will want the benefit of the full original filing. Good luck with this! -john
Hi John, thank you for this very helpful video. I have an issue with the steps, once I click on "utility provisional" I do not access to the next steps, it entails "Forbidden, you do not have persmission to access" while I have created a USPTO account. Can you please kindly advice? Thank you!!
Hi Laura, I am sorry that you are having trouble with this. Here is the answer I recently posted in my Community Post: Blocked From Filing PPA from Overseas If you are trying to file a PPA (Provisional Patent Application) as a Guest user the USPTO Patent Center Website (patentcenter.uspto.gov/submissions-filing/submissions/b5eff645-892b-4ce1-8589-bcf3f1855243/ads/inventors?category=NewSubmissions) and are being blocked from filing, with “401 Error” Message or a “Forbidden” s message, here is what I know: I called and talked with John at the USPTO Electronic Business Center (571-272-4100. ebc@uspto.gov) about this issue. The EBC has ownership of the Patent Center website and is aware of this 401 problem. The problem normally occurs when guest users try to access the Patent Center from outside of the U.S. and the PTO doesn’t recognize the communication source or has security concerns about the access attempt. This problem seems to be somewhat random and there is no known solution; however, some users have been successful using one or more of the following: * Register as a Patent Center User at www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/getting-started-new-users#:~:text=1%201.%20Create%20your%20USPTO.gov%20account%20Go%20to,forms.%20...%203%203.%20Verify%20your%20USPTO.gov%20account. This will eliminate the problem; however, registration does require a notarized proof of identification, which is not so easy in some countries. * Change computer browsers to one of the Chromium variants: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, Brave or Opera. The PTO website is built on the Chromium standard. * Use a VPN which locates your browser as originating from the U.S. The USPTO is located in Alexandria, Virginia and probably the closer to this you get (Washington D.C.) the better. * Clear your computer browsing history. If all else fails, you can submit your application by mail, or hire a patent attorney to electronically file your documents for you. You can contact me at jsferrell@carrferrell.com if you would like help with filing on your behalf. I hope this helps! Warm wishes, --john
John, thsnks for making it simpler to file PPA. I wonder if I can get some obvious word template to prepare the submission file with enhanced convenience. Thanks
Thank you for your comment. I am so grateful to have you on my channel. I don't know if any Word templates for preparing a PPA, but I do have a printed sample in my book on PPAs available on Amazon. It's available in both Kindle and print versions. Please let me know what you think of the book or how I can improve the next edition. www.amazon.com/Provisional-Patents-Inventors-Writing-Application/dp/B0BW1KSMPJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=162IEW1FMC6IJ&keywords=john+ferrell+provisional&qid=1680367265&sprefix=john+ferrell+provisional%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1 Good luck with your invention!!! Warmest wishes. 😊 -john
The PDF that I uploaded in the video was a PDF file containing my specification and figures. I loaded mine as a single file, although you can upload the specification and figures as two separate documents. 'Hope this helps. -john
Thank you, quick question: Can you have multiple drawings on the same page as long as they are properly marked and visibly correct. Making it possible to have more drawings than pages of drawings?
Two to four weeks after filing your PPA you will receive a filing receipt from the PTO in the mail. This filing receipt will constitute proof of your filing date and normally also include a foreign filing license permitting you to file your application in other countries. I hope this helps. -john
Hello and thank you for the video. I have a question: Is it possible, after temporarily registering the patent, for someone to contact me to discuss the invention or purchase it, for example? Please respond.
Yes. But remember that the patent won't be published for public inspection until after you file your nonprovisional application. No one will know that you filed a patent application until then. If you want to have conversations about your invention, you will need to initiate with the licensees. Warmest wishes, -john
Congratulations! Yes, the PPA (Provisional Patent Application) will preserve your date in Mexico if you file your Mexican patent application or a PCT application designating Mexico ,within 12 month of the original PPA filing date. 'Hope this helps. -john
Hello John, thank you for this information. Are you an attorney? In order to schedule consultation should I call the number listed or email you? I have questions about the patent process
Yes. I am an attorney. If you would like to contact me, send a message to me at jsferrell@carrferrell.com and I or one of our attorneys will follow up with you. Warmest regards, -john
Did you click micro entity at 10:05 in the video? Small entity is $120, micro entity is $60. If you are a micro entity it will ask you to fill out and submit an SB15a micro entity certification form. 'Hope this helps. Warmest regards, -john
@@johnferrellesq. Thanks. I just tried to file a provisional online and gave up because it kept kicking me out at the end saying I "don't have sufficient privileges" or something. So I decided to file it by mail but could not view the IAI0014.pdf ADS form. I finally found the one thing that works to view it is Firefox. Just a tip someone might find helpful.
Thank you very much, this was one of the best step by step guides online. For some reason, I am unable to access the payment option after or before submitting the application. do you know why that could be?
This sounds like it could be a pop-up blocker in your web browser. Try calling the USPTO help desk at: Toll-Free: 800-786-9199 Local: 571-272-1000. Good luck with this!! -john
No. As you point out, the description of the invention and the figures must be uploaded. Thank you for watching! Good luck with your invention. Warmest regards, --john
Hello, thank you so much for this step by step tutorial. You are so appreciated. Question, how do I find my application again? I walked away for a few minutes and my computer logged off the page I was on. I didn’t get a chance to pay the $60
As long as the application was submitted and you received an application number on the Acknowledgement Receipt from Patent Center, then you’ll receive a Filing Receipt from the USPTO in the mail. The Filing Receipt will include a notice to pay the missing fees and will provide a two month deadline. Since Patent Center guest users cannot submit additional documents or fees to an existing application through Patent Center, you will need to submit the forms and payment by fax or mail. If you are unsure whether the final submission step was completed on Patent Center, you can resubmit the application and pay the fees with the new submission. Good luck with this and with your product!! Warmest regards, -john
Thank you john, (10/9/23 completely up to date, site looks same s video) I followed this video step by step & did it in 15 minutes. I also bought your book for a quick read, good stuff. I actually do have a question HYPOTHETICALLY Let's say I file a patent to move a boat without a sail (this is the purpose of the patent, to "make boat move.") There are 2 methods, or ways in which the boat can then move. 1) Wind fan above water like you would see in the everglades or swamps 2) A propeller beneath water like a typical motorboat SO my Question is Can I include both of these methods in the Provisional App??? (All I care about is owning a method of the boat moving) OR do I need a separate App for each method?? Same 2 questions for official Patent App. Do I need 2 separate Patents? **That's basically what I did. I found a way to "build a better mousetrap" but know of 5-6 different ways to build that mousetrap, all of which I included in my provisional.
I am so glad to hear that my video was helpful! 😊 Yes, you can include both embodiments of your invention in your PPA. You may however need to separate the two propulsion inventions into two patents later if both methods of propulsion are different inventions and could both stand alone outside of the overall boat method that you are claiming. Hope this helps. -john
Hi John, I wonder if you talked about Application Cover sheet PT/SB/16? And if filled online, where do we select in the cover sheet that we are paying using credit card without providing the PTO-2038?
Yes, I think drawings, even rough sketches, can be very helpful in describing your invention. If it's a process, you can consider adding a flow chart. Here is a video that details what the PPA (Provisional Patent Application) should contain: th-cam.com/video/dDwEuuZPHZY/w-d-xo.html Warmest wishes, -john
Hi john, when uploading the documents as a Micro entity are the only documents you need..... SB15a, SB16, specifications (line drawings, summary etc) Kind Regards, Dean
This is a great question. Thank you. The SB16 is not required when filing a PPA using the new Patent Center web portal. This SB16 form is replaced by the ADS (Application Data Sheet). However, the SB15a is required if the micro entity payment discount is selected. See the reminder in yellow, briefly shown at 10:13 in the video. I did not need to complete and upload this form since I filed as a small entity and not a micro entity. Thank you for pointing this out. Warmest wishes, -john
Hello John, thanks very much for this informative video! This is the first time I’ve tried to go through the patent process for an invention idea. I had a question about the dragon drop files section. Am I supposed to have a picture, drawing, or description of my patent idea to upload. Thanks for any help! Glenn
Glenn, Yes. It's a good idea to include figures and drawings in your application, if this will help you explain the invention more clearly. I think this video will help answer your questions: th-cam.com/video/dDwEuuZPHZY/w-d-xo.html Thank you so much for watching my video and leaving your comment. I am very grateful to have you here 😊 -john
My patent description and figures were both scanned and stored as a single PDF document to a folder on my computer and then uploaded on the Patent Center web portal as shown in the video. I chose to combine the description and figures into the same file because my figures were not complicated. Thank you for watching my videos and for the kind words. It’s so great to have you as part of our entrepreneur community. What kind of products do you work on? Please let me know if there are any other videos you would like to see me make. Warmest wishes. -john
@@johnferrellesq. Thanks a lot. We make websites. One more questions I have. Where do we have to upload a form sb0015a - Certification of Micro Entity Status for reduced fees? Do I upload with the patent PDF that I will upload or somewhere else?
Hello, thank you for the video! I am currently filing a design patent online on my own, and there are so few videos like yours. May I ask, if I am going to file a design patent online on my own, do I choose Web ADS? Is it the most straightforward way when compared with the other two options? Also, so far, I have the following documents ready for uploading. Is it possible to politely ask you to see if the following documents are all I need to upload when filing through Web ADS? I have: (1) Specification sheet in .docx, (2) Photographs in .pdf, (3) Oath and Declaration in .docx. Is that all I need? I am only filing for small business, not micro-entity. In this case, are there any additional documents that I need to upload? Note: In the specification sheet I prepared, here are the following items I have: Preamble, Specification, Cross Reference to Related Application (none), Statement regarding federally sponsored R&D (none), Description of the Figure(s) of the photographs. Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate any of your insights, every dollar counts these days! Have a nice evening!
Just to be clear, since you are writing in reference to this video I am assuming that you are filing a PPA (Provisional Patent Application) and not a Design Patent which is something completely different. Design patents cover ornamental designs. See this video regarding design patents: th-cam.com/video/alx9bHAogYc/w-d-xo.html If you are referring to your PPA then the WebADS contains everything you need except the patent application. The patent application that I uploaded in the video was in a PDF file containing my specification, one claim and figures. I loaded mine as a single file, although you can upload the specification and figures as two separate documents. If you need more help preparing your application, see this video: th-cam.com/video/kbKa3O_jIm4/w-d-xo.html Note that if you were to claim micro entity status, you would also need to upload an SB15a form: www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sb0015a.pdf Hope this helps. -john
@@johnferrellesq. Hello, thank you SO MUCH for your reply. Yes, I am indeed preparing for the DESIGN patent right now (I would not be confident in filing the utility patent on my own, to be honest). I have to say that all of your videos are so helpful, and I really appreciate you taking the time and effort to make videos for us. Also, thank you so much for the reply! I am 95% ready to file online as a small entity at the moment. I have two more questions if that is okay to ask here, again. First, I wish to file my design patent under my LLC. Do I input the LLC name under the assignee? (I am the only member of the LLC, and this is the very first time I ever file for design patent.) Second, I have prepared drawings ready, but I am a bit confused about the shading/chamfering part. The material is stainless steel, so I would assume it falls under the metal guideline on USPTO. However, if the whole thing is made of stainless steel (and commonly known to be made in this material), do I need to specify the material in the drawings, or should I just write it in my title? Also, do you know how people usually draw the shading in metal? Sorry, I know that’s a lot to ask. I really appreciate your help and reply! Have a nice day!🙂
@@Watchesobessed Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I know this will not feel that helpful to you, but I urge you not try to prepare your own Design Patent. Every shape and line in the drawings is critical and there is an entire PTO publication on how to properly prepare these design figures. Your Design Patent may fly right through the examination process but the first time you try to assert your flawed design patent against an infringer on Amazon or elsewhere, the accused product’s attorney will likely laugh at you. You will also have difficulty finding a litigation attorney to assert a defected patent on your behalf. Either hire a patent attorney to prepare your Design Patent or hire a skilled patent draftsman to carefully prepare all of the figures for you. Without the help of an experienced patent attorney, the road to your first design patent is likely to be a long journey. If you wish to file the patent application with your LLC as the assignee, then you will need to contractually assign the patent application to the LLC in writing. Here is a link to the PTO Assignment Center: assignmentcenter.uspto.gov The help of an attorney may be useful here as well. One last thing: it is possible to greatly accelerate your design patent application and get it issued very quickly - maybe within a couple of months under Rule 155. www.ecfr.gov/current/title-37/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-1/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFR5ba9219fb1b6d20/section-1.155 I am so sorry for the complexity here and wish I had more free resources to offer you, but unlike PPAs (Provisional Patent Applications), Design Patent applications must be very precisely prepared and prosecuted. If you don't already have your own patent attorney, let me know if you would like to check this out with one of our attorneys. Wishing you all the best. -john
For a copy of my new book Provisional Patents, go to Amazon: bit.ly/43RWr2L
Send an email to info@carrferrell.com to speak with an attorney.
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Thanks! Sadly that crappy USPTO page has a logon loop when trying to logon when filing. So ridiculous. Basically when already logged on and click on "Utility Provisional" it says "Want to logon?" and if press "sign in" it does same thing again. Sigh...
Have you tried signing in as a guest? -john
Saw now. Thanks for replying so promptly. The address on My driver's license is a silicon valley address also, by the way. I did and honestly that patent office website has been somewhat disappointing. Did the entire provisional patent filing process and then tried to pay the fee for filing that provisional patent application, but that website failed to process that. I have an application #, etcetera, but none of those seemed searchable when I tried to pay that fee for that PPA again. How to find that PPA and get that done? Thanks in advance for answering how to do that, if possible. When going ahead with filing the full patent, are My short list of patent attorneys that I would likely choose from. By the way, friends with daniel kottke? Seem to be from that era there. @@johnferrellesq.
MERRY CHRISTMAS @@johnferrellesq.
Just filed some patent applications using this video as a guide whilst I was doing it. Got to say i would have messed up ths submissions without this video. Superb in a word, Thank you!
Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? Warmest wishes, -john
@@johnferrellesq. Hi the reason your video was some good was firstly because it was very close to the current USPTO site interface and secondly the excellent description and pace of the explanation. You might know the system but the viewers probably dont . So describing each section was hugely beneficial , especially why sections can be skipped and the reasoning.To the second part of your question. I would suggest a video on the how to write a detailed description of the drawingsand the specific elements , which seem to be large part of any patent. In particular how to structure the numbering system and the rationale behind it.For must viewers i would say that cant afford a patent attorney but want to develop there applications as fully as possible to maybe attract investment, this would be very helpful i think. It has to be significant portion of the cost of the attorneys cost and ultimately the description of the drawings comes from the inventor in the first place.Hope this helps and is only my opinion. Cheers
@@simonsimmonds6257 Thank you for the comments. I think this might be the video you are asking for: th-cam.com/video/dDwEuuZPHZY/w-d-xo.html. Warmest regards, -john
Really strange......contacted by someone who wants to discuss my invention.....all I could think was "PATENT" in the back of my mind.....absolutely loved your video and really appreciate people such as yourself......and thanks for the new surge of enthusiasm to get my patent filed.
Thank you for your comment. I am so grateful to have you on my channel. Please subscribe if you haven't done so already. Warmest wishes. 😊 -john
Thank you so much for doing this!!! I've been working on this invention idea since 2012! Lol. The patent people I was going to work with wanted to charge me hundreds of dollars to submit the form for me, but you made it so much simpler! I really appreciate it. I'm always showing people how they can DIY things that I have expertise in, and I appreciate that you also do this, as well. When I need a patent attorney, I'll definitely give you a call.
Thank you for watching my videos and for the kind words. It’s so great to have you as part of our entrepreneur community. What kind of products do you work on? Please let me know if there are any other videos you would like to see me make. Warmest wishes. -john
Thank you so much. You saved us over $2k, which will now allow those savings to use to get samples done with a manufacturer. 😊
Thank you for the kind words. I make the videos to help the entrepreneur community and am so happy that you are finding value in these uploads. What kind of product (generally) are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? Warmest regards, -john
The video provides all the details an independent inventor would like to know for filing a provisional application. Thanks, John.
Thank you so much for watching my video and leaving your comment. I am very grateful to have you here 😊 -john
@@johnferrellesq. The information you share through your videos is very helpful. Thank you.
what about a design patent? I read you can not use Provisional for a design patent?
This is true. You can not use PPAs to protect designs. -john
Hi John, I see that the "subject matter" drop-down box was "utility". Is this a hard fork where we must decide utility or design up front?
God bless you John Ferrell! You are an angel for making this incredibly helpful and practical video. Such a saving of time and frustration. Thank you thank you thank you❣️
Mom, is this you posting again? Otherwise, AZ, I have to tell you that as a lawyer I don't get referred to as an angel very often, but I am so happy this video helped you. Your words were very kind. Warmest regards,-john
Yesterday (10/10/2024) and following this video I was able to get my PPA! Thank you so much for your help Mr. John Ferrell, Esq.
Thank you for watching my video. It’s so great having you in my community. What are you currently working on? Are there specific videos I could make that you would be interested in watching? -john
@@johnferrellesq. I came up with what I called "Inner bottle salt/spice trap". Maybe Martha Stewart or Morton Salts could be interested in my PPA. Thank you Mr. Ferrell.
@@montealegre_rp Good luck with this! I hope Martha Stewart jumps all over your product. 🙂
@@johnferrellesq. ... if I can contact her office. 😃
wow. legal council actually walking through the process and explaining the steps. THANK YOU!!!! I hope to one day afford your professional services.
Luke, Thank you for watching my video. It’s so great having you in my community. What are you currently working on? Are there specific videos I could make that you would be interested in watching? Warmest regards, -john
Great video, just ordered the book, will read, and when ready watch the video again.
Thank you very much for taking the time to make a step by step for filing a provisional patent. I have 3 issued patents and have successfully defended one of them in federal court, so I'm no stranger to the importance of words and dates. I came up with an idea in another field of work and doing this quick provisional will be the perfect path for the invention, I hope. Side note, I have worked as a special witness in a court case and had a call the other day from the office of a John Ferrell for another case. Wonder if it may have come from your office. (case was not patent related)
Again, thank you very much. Just finished and paid for a provisional. Only problem I had was submitting the documents the webpage dropped everything and I had to start over but because of your excellent guidance, it was a piece of cake.
What a great note! I make the videos to help the entrepreneur community and am so happy that you are finding value in these uploads. What are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? Warmest regards, -john
@@johnferrellesq. a specialized wrench.
I'll give topics some thoughts
AWESOME VIDEO THANK YOU SO MUCH JOHN!!!!! I WAS DREDIGN THIS BUT IT WAS SO EASY, THANK YOU !!!!
Yes, filed my first provisional patent today.
Thanks so much for this. I was running in circles with the details and unclear language and warnings. Deeply appreciate making the info accessible and easy to follow along.
Thank you for the kind words. I make the videos to help the entrepreneur community and am so happy that you are finding value in these uploads. What are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? -john
John! thank God for your existence and guidance to all of us product developer starters! ❤
Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? -john
thank you for the help! I must forgotten to complete the Micro entity form bevause after I filed electronic PPA I got letter back from USPTO saying I need to declare Micro entity , I have two months to do that
since I did filed as guest in the portal I cannot review it , I downloaded the forms and will mail them in to complete the filing
@@RaceForGoodLife Good luck with your product!! Warmest wishes. -john
So kind! thank you
I could not have submitted my provisional utility patent application if it wasn't for this video. Thank you SO SO much!
Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? -john
I still can't! Did you have any trouble with Fonts? How about DOCX or docx caps or lower case? what about that signature? Did you see the signature thing? did your title of invention remain at the end or did they delete it for you like they did for me (ten times) was your page number in word in the font "Graphic"? Mine was - didn't know word would do that when they know I chose ARIAL. Did they accept your address instead of a customer number? Not mine .. . Am I very special or do they just like messing with me?
Thank you for the very helpful video!
You are a G
Quick, concise and to the point!
No blah blah like usual.
So glad it helped! Thank you so much for watching my video and leaving your comment. I am very grateful to have you here 😊 -john
This was a great help, John -thank you.
Thank you so much! This was very helpful! Was worrying about the process and this video helped so much.
That's a forward slash, just FYI Great direct video. Love it. Thank you so much for creating this. :)
Bought your book, almost finished with it and will be following up again for review by your team. Thanks again.
Hi Chad, thank you for the update. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for improving the book. 😊 Warmest wishes, -john
Thank you for dispelling any potential doubts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for your comment. I am so grateful to have you on my channel. Please subscribe if you haven't done so already. Warmest wishes. 😊 -john
Thank you so much. Followed every step, and it was so easy to do. You are a godsend.
Sean, Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? Warmest regards, -john
To pay your filing fee later, after you have filed your PPA, do the following:
You will need to create a myUSPTO account. Here is the USPTO link to get started:
www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/getting-started-new-users
Once your account is created and logged in, you should see a Pay Fees option under the Existing Submissions tab.
From there you will need the application number and confirmation number from your acknowledgement receipt. Since you won’t need to include any documents you can skip to the fees tab.
'Hope this helps!!
Hello John, thank you for your help on the filing process! I am trying to pay my fees after creating my account but it keeps saying my application doesn't exist? I have an application and confirmation number so I'm not sure if I'm missing something? I hope you can help. Thank you once again!
John, love your videos. You make it so easy to understand, without burdening us with "legalese." When you have time, I would love to hear you talk about the different components that go into filing a patent application. Example: The actual application, which is what you talk about here, application data sheet, IDS, etc. Thank you, and please keep showing us the way! :-)
Thank you for your comment and video suggestion. Are you referring to a Utility application? or a PPA? Warmest wishes. 😊 -john
You are AMAZING! Your videos are a gift to society and a benefit to all inventors and business folks globally. Mahalo John Ferrell!
Thank you, Loren, for the kind words. I make the videos to help the entrepreneur community and am so happy that you are finding value in these uploads. What are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? Warmest wishes, -john
very professional your videos are, i must say. keep it up sir!
Wow! Thank you. I am very grateful to have you here 😊 -john
Great! Thanks!
Awesome instructions. Thanks a million!!
Thank you for liking, subscribing and leaving your comment! Please let me know if you would like to suggest another video. Warm wishes. -john
This video helped me out a lot. The only thing i would add to this is about the PDF drawings errors pertaining to the size being too big. I ended up shrinking the diagrams to fit the size of paper allowing some padding. Then, in converting the jpeg to pdf, I used adobe acrobat and selected “print” and printed as a PDF then I changed the paper size to A4. I also had to select “off” for almost all of the compression options. Then when I added the pdf diagrams, they took with no errors.
Thank you for the kind words and comments. When I made the video the Patent Center website was new and a bit buggy. There are still some glitches in the PTO website - I hope they fix the drawings limitation soon. What are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? -john
@@johnferrellesq. It’s an idea I have that involves AI assisted person re-identification spawned from the work that I do that involves leveraging surveillance cameras to detect specific objects or people.
As far as a video I’d like to see.. Id say seeing the complete process that involves going from a provisional patent, to an actual one. What that entails, what would be expected (patent search, approval process etc)
I like how you used an example patent with the jitterbug, but I know going through the actual complete patent process is expensive.. but at the very least, clearly defined steps after the provisional patent has been filled and what might be expected next would help.
Bonus
A “what if” video on if AI was allowed to do the patent searching. What the impact would be on the cost of filing a patent, on the time it would take to do a patent search, the efficacy of that search, the impact that would make on the patent attorney job market etc. and this is potentially likely since there have been cases of AI assisted defense attorneys. Just an idea
Oh! And the impact on the increased number of patents filled by the disenfranchised, because let’s face it, we all have good ideas but not all of us can afford to apply for a patent. Maybe that would change if AI were involved
@@sceptersax Great ideas! Thank you. Awesome! Good luck with this product!! -john
Thanks, John. Your video is very useful.
Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? -john
I appreciate all your great videos. Are there specific types of statements to avoid in the provisional patent application? In other words, are their statements, that if you include them in your PPA, that can limit or jeopardize future steps, with your non-provisional patent, or otherwise? Thank you.
Thank you so much for making this video and other videos!
Thank you so much for watching my video and leaving your comment. I am very grateful to have you here 😊 -john
Just filed my PPA following the video. Amazing. I filed one around 2 years ago following another video, but it looks like the website has changed, so this video helped me so much. Thank you so much for doing it.
I have a question: how long after submitting it and paying the fee should I receive some confirmation email from them? How can I see that the process went through and how can I check that my PPA is actually active?
Thanks again for the help.
Hi Salvatore,
Thank you for watching my video; I so glad it was helpful.
As for accessing your filed application, if you filed your provisional application as a guest user (without logging into a USPTO account), accessing and reviewing your submission will involve a few steps. Here’s how you can proceed:
When you filed the application, the USPTO provided you with an acknowledgment receipt. This receipt includes your provisional application number (e.g., 63/XXXXX) and the filing date. You should also receive a physical copy of this receipt in two to three weeks after filing your application.
Unfortunately, as a guest filer, you cannot access your application directly online through a USPTO account since it wasn’t associated with one during filing. However, you can still retrieve your documents by contacting the USPTO directly.
Email the USPTO’s Electronic Business Center (EBC) at ebc@uspto.gov or call them at 1-866-217-9197. Provide your application number and filing date and explain that you filed as a guest and need access to your submission details.
If necessary, you can request a copy of your submitted documents. The EBC team can guide you through this process, or you can file a written request with the USPTO.
To avoid this challenge in the future, consider creating a USPTO account before filing. This will allow you to track and manage your applications more easily through the Patent Center platform.
If you are a registered user, provisional patent applications are managed through the USPTO’s Patent Center system. Log in to your USPTO account at (patentcenter.uspto.gov) using the same credentials you used when filing your application.
Once logged in, navigate to the "My Workbench" or "Applications" section to see a list of applications associated with your account.
If your provisional application doesn’t appear, you can try searching using the provisional application number (starting with a two-digit series code, e.g., 63/XXXXX) and the filing date.
After locating your application, you should be able to view and download any submitted documents, such as your specifications, drawings, and the acknowledgment receipt. If you’re still unable to find your application, double-check the email acknowledgment you received after filing, which contains your application number and filing details.
If your account isn’t showing any history or it keeps logging you out, you may need to clear your browser cache or try accessing the site using a different browser.
Alternatively, you can contact the USPTO’s Electronic Business Center for technical assistance. They’re very responsive and can help resolve login or access issues.
Lastly, if you’d like to consult with one of our patent attorneys to assist you in reviewing your application or ensuring everything is in order, email me at jsferrell@carrferrell.com, and I will refer you.
Thank you for watching my video. Good luck with your Product!! -john
Excellent video, sir. Thank you so much.
Thank you, John,
Thank you, exactly the video i was looking for! :)
Thank you for the kind comment. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? -john
Thank you. Really helpful!
Glad it was helpful! -john
This is amazing thank you - what was included on the documents uploaded? Are there specific details that should be included there?
Thank you, Shannon. Here is a video that descirbes the document that was uploaded. th-cam.com/video/dDwEuuZPHZY/w-d-xo.html Thank you for watching my videos and for the kind words. It’s so great to have you as part of our entrepreneur community. What kind of products do you work on? Please let me know if there are any other videos you would like to see me make. Warmest wishes. -john
Thank you so much for making a huge difference in my life!
Thank you for your comment. I am so grateful to have you on my channel. Please subscribe if you haven't done so already. Warmest wishes. 😊 -john
Thank you Sir. I just got your book as well
Thank you for the kind words. I make the videos to help the entrepreneur community and am so happy that you are finding value in these uploads. What are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? -john
Good Video. Regarding the document you need to upload..... is there a format that one must follow? Introduction of the IDEA, purpose, intent, benefits, product sketch, how it works, etc etc?
Thank you! Check out this video in answer to your question: th-cam.com/video/kbKa3O_jIm4/w-d-xo.html. Warmest regards, -john
Your video was very helpful. Thank You
Glad it was helpful! I am so grateful to have you on my channel. Please subscribe if you haven't done so already. Warmest wishes. 😊 -john
@johnferrellesq. Yes, I already subscribed 😁 I will let you when if my idea was successful finding investors in 3 months...Thanks again
Hello John, I am thankful for your insights! One question: Why did you opt-out of Authorizations to Permit Access to Foreign IP Offices? (You checked not to authorize USPTO to allow access to foreign IP Offices and EPO at the 7:00 minute of your nice video. If e.g. I file a PCT in the 10th month of my PPA filing date, will I then have the priority rights of my UPTO Provisional? Thanks in advance and have a nice weekend! :) Also have in mind that this video you made is gold !!!
Thank you for the comments and the question. In my example, I elected not to authorize the USPTO to allow foreign access because as a small inventor I was not planning to file later for foreign patent protection. In your case since you are filing a PCT application, you should leave this blank. You will want to let foreign patent offices have access to your PPA. If by mistake you check this box anyway, this choice can be changed later when the nonprovisional application is filed. Good luck with your patent!!! -john
Thanks for all this information you kindly share with us !!! Keep making such awesome videos! Jim
Thanks John! So much easier following you. BTW to All, form wasn't accepting three emails unless they were identical. So, accept the error otherwise it won't process to the next page.
Great comment! Thank you for sharing the error message issue. Warmest wishes, -john
Excellent video. You didn’t submit a separate cover sheet file. Was that for brevity or is it not required. Some language above the submission box suggests that it is required.
There is no need. It is part of the web form that you you fill out as you submit your application using the patent center website.
"The presentation steps have been clear and well-executed."
I m malaysia citizen n our law require us to file in Malaysia first before we can file oversssea a few monts later - that is very unfair as we do not t have provisional application which is what's going I would want to do]]\\\\\\😊😊😊😊
Love the video! I'm getting the book!
Excellent video thank you for doing this
Thank you, Raquel! Please let me know if you would like to suggest another video. Warm wishes. -john
Hi John, I was just wondering does the document showing your invention have to be very detailed and exactly what you intend your invention to be? Thanks!
Yes, you only get the benefit of the PPA filing date for whatever invention you teach in the original filing. You need to show enough detail in the PPA to allow someone with ordinary skill to be able to practice your invention. Warmest regards, -john
Amazing video. JUst a question, can a non-US resident file his/her provisional application online following your procedure?
Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? -john
Great video, but it would be helpful to know the next steps like where to go to fax the New Customer Number form and how to fill it out. Then, you have to fill out the Patent Electronic System form correctly and mail it once you have your Customer number back. Then once those 2 forms are completed you have to go back in to your submissions and upload the Correction A/122 form to each of your provisional applications. If you do a step by step on those 3 additional forms to complete this Provisional Patent application I think you would be a winner!!!
Darrell, This is such a terrific and helpful post! Thank you for sharing this information with us. Warmest regards, -john
It's nice, thanks, but can you show us the uploaded file? How did you create it? What's inside? What sections?
Thank you for your comment. I am so grateful to have you on my channel. The details of the PPA are shown in this video: th-cam.com/video/dDwEuuZPHZY/w-d-xo.html Please subscribe if you haven't done so already. Warmest wishes. 😊 -john
@@johnferrellesq. How kind you are, Mr. John! Thank you very much. I truely appreciate your prompt response and help. I've already subscribed and I'm liking every video for you :) You dserve the best really. My only problem now is to make the technical diagram, I will do it manually, it's hard as it should be in 3D. Any tips for this? I should do it myself because I don't want others to steal my idea. Thanks once again, you're amazing Mr. John :)
@@basho9306 Hand drawings for a PPA are OK. Make several sketches showing some different view and then scan or photo the drawings and upload them as PDFs. Good luck with this! -john
Thank You for making this process so easy.
Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? Warmest regards, -john
@@johnferrellesq. Your welcome! Always looking for companies to license my ideas to. I have a new electrical prototype I'm looking to license. Thank You Again John!
Really appreciate the thorough walk through. That really helps to know what to be prepared for when sitting down to file a ppa.
Thank you so much for doing this. This was extremely helpful to me.
Glad it was helpful! Warmest wishes, -john
Thank you for the video, John. My questions are: 1) If I have a physical product I am wanting to patent do I select design? 2) If I have multiple designs do I need to file an application for each? Thank you in advance for your response.
Note that a design patent protects the way something looks. A utility patent protects the way something is constructed or how it works. If the designs are closely related then you may be able to combine the designs in the same patent application; otherwise, you will need to file separate applications. 'Hope this helps. Warmest regards, -john
Thank you for clear and simple instructions. Where do I find the PPA that I have submitted?
If you filed the Provisional Application as a guest user of the Patent Center, you won’t be able to access it electronically. Note that there is no reason to access it; when you file your NPA (Nonprovisional Patent Application) in 12 months or less, your attorney will reference the serial number of the PPA (Provisional Patent Application) and you will automatically receive the PPA filing date. Warmest regards,-john
Thank you John, this was very helpful.
I was wondering if you can answer a question-
If I have the product already made and in-hand, can I submit pictures/video of the product, or do I still need to do drawings?
Thanks.
If you are filing a PPA, you can submit pictures and video stills as your figures. The format requirements for a PPA are very informal. Warmest wishes, -john
Hi @johnferrellesq, thanks for the fantastic and informative step-by-step video! I have a quick question: We've been filing a provisional patent every month. Is it necessary to file a provisional patent every month, and do I need to file a new one each time?
Hi Amar, without knowing more about your invention and your situation it's hard for me to answer this. If you are creating a new invention each month then monthly PPAs might be reasonable. If you are working on a single invention then monthly updates might be too many. I am sorry I can't be more specific.
Thank you for liking, subscribing and leaving your comment! Please let me know if you would like to suggest another video. Warm wishes. -john
Thank you for your great hand holding step-by-step video, John! I managed to submit and pay for my utility provisional patent application! I hit one wrinkle... when I tried to upload file attachments, they were too large, so I proceeded without them. Is there a trick for how to add them after the initial submission?
Thank you for the kind words! Unfortunately, you cannot add to a PPA application once filed. You will need to refile. I didn’t realize there is a file size limit. How big was your document? --john
@johnferrellesq. My 4 documents were .pdf files of design drawings of my invention between 250 to 340k. So are you thinking I, for all intents and purposes, may have wasted $120.00 or is there a way that I can cancel this filing and resubmit it?
@@rcote627 This sounds like some kind of bug. Your PDF files were not that large. Try calling the USPTO help desk at: Toll-Free: 800-786-9199 Local: 571-272-1000. Perhaps there is something they can do to help you. Good luck with this!! -john
Thank you for sharing these phone numbers, John! And I feel like I'll need all the luck I can get !!
Thanks, I get this message when trying to apply to a povisional patent: Forbidden
You do not have sufficient privileges to perform that action
Where in the video is this happening? Could you provide a time stamp and I will see if I can suggest a fix. -john
@@johnferrellesq. 4:18 same issue here
"Friend, I have the same problem, how do I solve it?"
@@WIZARD955236 "Today, May 12th, 2024, at 4:18 AM, that problem occurred and I can't proceed."
@@johnferrellesq. I ended up sending printed version of docs. Because problem persisted.
Thank you for creating these great videos! Super helpful :)
Thank you for the kind comment! I'm so grateful to have you in the community. Warmest wishes, -john
Great Video, should specifications be alway selected for Provincial Patent?
Thank you for watching! Could you help me by being a little more specific on your question? Is there a time stamp in the video where you are getting stuck? Warmest wishes, -john
fantastic clarity and information. Thanks a lot.
Thank you for the kind words. I make the videos to help the entrepreneur community and am so happy that you are finding value in these uploads. What are you currently working on? Are there other videos you would be interested in watching? -john
Why did you put "5" for the number of drawing sheets? Is it truly optional to do so? Does that number include photographs as well?
Hi Flippin1999, as I recall my PPA included 7 pages of text and 5 pages of figures. Yes, figures includes anything that is not text. Hope this this helps. -john
It does- thank you for your prompt response!
@@flippin1999 Awesome! -john
Thank you, very useful
Thank you for the kind comment, Karthi. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful. I am curious what other types of videos you watch. Are there other entrepreneur topics I could address that you would be interested in watching? Good luck with your products! -john
today I submit my application provisional through the offical website, but after all step done include payment, I can't find my pplication from system when I use the application number to search the status, why??
If you filed your provisional application as a guest user (without logging into a USPTO account), accessing and reviewing your submission will involve a few steps. Here’s how you can proceed:
When you filed the application, the USPTO provided you with an acknowledgment receipt. This receipt includes your provisional application number (e.g., 63/XXXXX) and the filing date. You should also receive a physical copy of this receipt in two to three weeks after filing your application.
Unfortunately, as a guest filer, you cannot access your application directly online through a USPTO account since it wasn’t associated with one during filing. However, you can still retrieve your documents by contacting the USPTO directly.
Email the USPTO’s Electronic Business Center (EBC) at ebc@uspto.gov or call them at 1-866-217-9197. Provide your application number and filing date and explain that you filed as a guest and need access to your submission details.
If necessary, you can request a copy of your submitted documents. The EBC team can guide you through this process, or you can file a written request with the USPTO.
To avoid this challenge in the future, consider creating a USPTO account before filing. This will allow you to track and manage your applications more easily through the Patent Center platform.
If you are a registered user, provisional patent applications are managed through the USPTO’s Patent Center system. Log in to your USPTO account at (patentcenter.uspto.gov) using the same credentials you used when filing your application.
Once logged in, navigate to the "My Workbench" or "Applications" section to see a list of applications associated with your account.
If your provisional application doesn’t appear, you can try searching using the provisional application number (starting with a two-digit series code, e.g., 63/XXXXX) and the filing date.
After locating your application, you should be able to view and download any submitted documents, such as your specifications, drawings, and the acknowledgment receipt. If you’re still unable to find your application, double-check the email acknowledgment you received after filing, which contains your application number and filing details.
If your account isn’t showing any history or it keeps logging you out, you may need to clear your browser cache or try accessing the site using a different browser.
Alternatively, you can contact the USPTO’s Electronic Business Center for technical assistance. They’re very responsive and can help resolve login or access issues.
Lastly, if you’d like to consult with one of our patent attorneys to assist you in reviewing your application or ensuring everything is in order, email me at jsferrell@carrferrell.com, and I will refer you.
Thank you for watching my video. Good luck with your Product!! -john
Excellent video
Thank you for watching my video. It’s so great having you in my community. What are you currently working on? Are there specific videos I could make that you would be interested in watching? -john
Hi John, thanks for sharing your expertise. question, when a provisional patent has been filed is it available online to view? What I mean is, can other people browse through provisional patent fillings? Thanks in-advance A
No. The PPA is not available for public inspection until after the utility application is filed later. If you never file a corresponding utility application the PPA will never be available to the public. 'Hope this helps. -john
very helpful John. thank you very much! Could you tell me how the process change if i would like to file for my start-up?
If you are assigning the invention to your start-up company then enter your Company's name as the assignee at 7:22. Good luck with your new Company. Let me know if we can help in any way. Warmest regards,-john
WOW! Thank you for that video! Sorry if this is a silly question, but I filed a PPA years ago for an invention, it hasn't changed so to re-file, do I still enter under "New" or do I enter it under "request to reissue"? Thanks
This would be a new application and would have the priority of the new filing date. Good luck with your product!! -john
So Helpful!!!! Thank you very much for your time. I am still a little confused about the foreign priority stuff. It seems like I want to allow this just in case I decide to file it in the future???? Any more guidance you could give here? Again thank you for your video.
Thank you for your comment. I am so grateful to have you on my channel.
Check out this video on foreign filing: th-cam.com/video/PwEBff1hmvQ/w-d-xo.html
Please subscribe if you haven't done so already. Warmest wishes. 😊 -john
@@johnferrellesq. Yep I sure did Subscribe earlier. I know it takes time and money to make these so appreciate the work. Thanks for the video link. I will check that out.
Hi, a quick question for this great video presenter!
John, We live in Australia, and wish to file a PPA in US and Australia, and possibly other world regions.
Can we use your registration process as non-US Citizens?
Thanks mate, Rob
Yes, you can file from Australia. There is no citizenship or residency requirement for filing a patent application in the United States patent office. Good luck with your invention! I hope you crush it. -john
Please let me know what is the proper format for drawings in provisional application. Thanks a lot!!!
There are no figure formatting requirements for provisional patent applications. -john
Thank you for your content.
I’m new to all of this and NOT computer savvy. I got stuck at the browse files. You have 10 files and I still have 5; do I need to create my own cover page? I am using Chrome Notebook which isn’t helping. What did I miss?
Thank you for your message. Could you give me a time stamp in the video that you are referring to, and I will see if we can help you with this. Warmest regards, -john
When I tried to upload specification pdf file, it was rejected because of a “non-embedded font”, even though it was written by “Times new Roman” font !!! How can I proceed filing? Thanks a lot!!!
This sounds like there was a problem with the PDF file; I have not run across this error message before. You might try calling the USPTO help desk at: Toll-Free: 800-786-9199 Local: 571-272-1000. Good luck with this!! -john
Thank you for the video. Do you have a video on what to put on the PDF for your invention?
Here is a video that describes the document that was uploaded. th-cam.com/video/dDwEuuZPHZY/w-d-xo.html
and my book on Amazon:
www.amazon.com/Patent-Pending-Inventors-Provisional-Application/dp/B0DCSJ3HSX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32M2IDGKYJ0G2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hefqdBL4P4tqz6Zyl6h-zqdi37MnHTBsKZxG9PpazO4-5-Im-cGuXBW_GiFw20aHLqyCa3A09foPSw5B2YFHP81cCeJBVsOEoPhVANH6SIUjvck61FjYYn-_px0iIpeujwhFs1yk6eDtiCoTCnAnJEt4EvuTXL_Wxo6pNKpBSLL-m3Kwsg53d-fIHIDl9kBy9d6Vu9uaI7lj3DWpdqtNyY5ylac3KXI1JgU-uzAl5co.HBS16GpBTtQRkC1e1LcoCFbe7WFVeFw03DhN1icHWzI&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+ferrell&qid=1727824988&sprefix=johnferrellesq%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-1
Thank you for watching my videos and for the kind words. It’s so great to have you as part of our entrepreneur community. What kind of products do you work on? Please let me know if there are any other videos you would like to see me make. Warmest wishes. -john
Is there any video on filling of non-provisional application?
I have not made a video on filing utility application, as the consequences of getting this wrong are much more significant. I think filing a useful utility application is probably out of the reach of most DIY'ers. If you would like to give it a go, many of the instructions in this Step-by-Step video would apply.
Warmest regards, -john
So I finally filed my provisional, thanks to your book and videos- and just realized that I didn’t include my entire write up on the product- just photos and diagrams and a title. Should I resubmit another patent application completely? I’ll pay again if need be.
Bummer, but Yes. I think you should re-file if the full written description didn't make it into the original PPA. If your product is successful (which we know it will be 😊) you will want the benefit of the full original filing. Good luck with this! -john
Hi John, thank you for this very helpful video. I have an issue with the steps, once I click on "utility provisional" I do not access to the next steps, it entails "Forbidden, you do not have persmission to access" while I have created a USPTO account. Can you please kindly advice? Thank you!!
Hi Laura, I am sorry that you are having trouble with this. Here is the answer I recently posted in my Community Post:
Blocked From Filing PPA from Overseas
If you are trying to file a PPA (Provisional Patent Application) as a Guest user the USPTO Patent Center Website (patentcenter.uspto.gov/submissions-filing/submissions/b5eff645-892b-4ce1-8589-bcf3f1855243/ads/inventors?category=NewSubmissions) and are being blocked from filing, with “401 Error” Message or a “Forbidden” s message, here is what I know:
I called and talked with John at the USPTO Electronic Business Center (571-272-4100. ebc@uspto.gov) about this issue. The EBC has ownership of the Patent Center website and is aware of this 401 problem. The problem normally occurs when guest users try to access the Patent Center from outside of the U.S. and the PTO doesn’t recognize the communication source or has security concerns about the access attempt. This problem seems to be somewhat random and there is no known solution; however, some users have been successful using one or more of the following:
* Register as a Patent Center User at www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/getting-started-new-users#:~:text=1%201.%20Create%20your%20USPTO.gov%20account%20Go%20to,forms.%20...%203%203.%20Verify%20your%20USPTO.gov%20account. This will eliminate the problem; however, registration does require a notarized proof of identification, which is not so easy in some countries.
* Change computer browsers to one of the Chromium variants: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, Brave or Opera. The PTO website is built on the Chromium standard.
* Use a VPN which locates your browser as originating from the U.S. The USPTO is located in Alexandria, Virginia and probably the closer to this you get (Washington D.C.) the better.
* Clear your computer browsing history.
If all else fails, you can submit your application by mail, or hire a patent attorney to electronically file your documents for you. You can contact me at jsferrell@carrferrell.com if you would like help with filing on your behalf.
I hope this helps! Warm wishes, --john
John, thsnks for making it simpler to file PPA. I wonder if I can get some obvious word template to prepare the submission file with enhanced convenience.
Thanks
Thank you for your comment. I am so grateful to have you on my channel. I don't know if any Word templates for preparing a PPA, but I do have a printed sample in my book on PPAs available on Amazon. It's available in both Kindle and print versions. Please let me know what you think of the book or how I can improve the next edition.
www.amazon.com/Provisional-Patents-Inventors-Writing-Application/dp/B0BW1KSMPJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=162IEW1FMC6IJ&keywords=john+ferrell+provisional&qid=1680367265&sprefix=john+ferrell+provisional%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1
Good luck with your invention!!! Warmest wishes. 😊 -john
Good afternoon Mr john when you upload that pdf what’s that pdf about is there when we upload the invention pictures ??
The PDF that I uploaded in the video was a PDF file containing my specification and figures. I loaded mine as a single file, although you can upload the specification and figures as two separate documents. 'Hope this helps. -john
Thank you, quick question: Can you have multiple drawings on the same page as long as they are properly marked and visibly correct. Making it possible to have more drawings than pages of drawings?
Yes you can! Great question! 😊. -john
in case filing a provisional application as guest like your video, how to check the filed application. Thanks
Two to four weeks after filing your PPA you will receive a filing receipt from the PTO in the mail. This filing receipt will constitute proof of your filing date and normally also include a foreign filing license permitting you to file your application in other countries. I hope this helps. -john
Hello and thank you for the video. I have a question: Is it possible, after temporarily registering the patent, for someone to contact me to discuss the invention or purchase it, for example? Please respond.
Yes. But remember that the patent won't be published for public inspection until after you file your nonprovisional application. No one will know that you filed a patent application until then. If you want to have conversations about your invention, you will need to initiate with the licensees. Warmest wishes, -john
Question: Yesterday I got a PPA thanks to your step by step guidance. If I disclose my idea in Mexico, will my PPA protect me there? Thank you.
Congratulations! Yes, the PPA (Provisional Patent Application) will preserve your date in Mexico if you file your Mexican patent application or a PCT application designating Mexico ,within 12 month of the original PPA filing date. 'Hope this helps. -john
@@johnferrellesq. Yes it does help. Thanks so much again, Mr. Ferrell.
@@montealegre_rp Great! Good luck with your product! -john
Hello John, thank you for this information. Are you an attorney? In order to schedule consultation should I call the number listed or email you? I have questions about the patent process
Yes. I am an attorney. If you would like to contact me, send a message to me at jsferrell@carrferrell.com and I or one of our attorneys will follow up with you. Warmest regards, -john
why is there no "Micro" entity option with online application?
Did you click micro entity at 10:05 in the video? Small entity is $120, micro entity is $60. If you are a micro entity it will ask you to fill out and submit an SB15a micro entity certification form. 'Hope this helps. Warmest regards, -john
Does a PDF cover sheet have to be attached to the PDF of your invention description?
Kevin, the cover sheet is the ADS form that you are filling out in the Web document, as explained in the video. Warmest regards, -john
@@johnferrellesq. Thanks. I just tried to file a provisional online and gave up because it kept kicking me out at the end saying I "don't have sufficient privileges" or something. So I decided to file it by mail but could not view the IAI0014.pdf ADS form. I finally found the one thing that works to view it is Firefox. Just a tip someone might find helpful.
Thank you very much, this was one of the best step by step guides online. For some reason, I am unable to access the payment option after or before submitting the application. do you know why that could be?
This sounds like it could be a pop-up blocker in your web browser. Try calling the USPTO help desk at: Toll-Free: 800-786-9199 Local: 571-272-1000. Good luck with this!! -john
Thank you very much John for quick response and sharing the numbers. I will give them a call@@johnferrellesq.
Is there no area to type a description of the invention, or do you just write on papper and upload the pictures.
No. As you point out, the description of the invention and the figures must be uploaded. Thank you for watching! Good luck with your invention. Warmest regards, --john
Hello, thank you so much for this step by step tutorial. You are so appreciated. Question, how do I find my application again? I walked away for a few minutes and my computer logged off the page I was on. I didn’t get a chance to pay the $60
As long as the application was submitted and you received an application number on the Acknowledgement Receipt from Patent Center, then you’ll receive a Filing Receipt from the USPTO in the mail. The Filing Receipt will include a notice to pay the missing fees and will provide a two month deadline. Since Patent Center guest users cannot submit additional documents or fees to an existing application through Patent Center, you will need to submit the forms and payment by fax or mail.
If you are unsure whether the final submission step was completed on Patent Center, you can resubmit the application and pay the fees with the new submission.
Good luck with this and with your product!! Warmest regards, -john
Thank you so kindly. You’re so appreciated ❤
Thank you john, (10/9/23 completely up to date, site looks same s video) I followed this video step by step & did it in 15 minutes. I also bought your book for a quick read, good stuff.
I actually do have a question
HYPOTHETICALLY Let's say I file a patent to move a boat without a sail (this is the purpose of the patent, to "make boat move.")
There are 2 methods, or ways in which the boat can then move.
1) Wind fan above water like you would see in the everglades or swamps
2) A propeller beneath water like a typical motorboat
SO my Question is
Can I include both of these methods in the Provisional App??? (All I care about is owning a method of the boat moving)
OR do I need a separate App for each method??
Same 2 questions for official Patent App. Do I need 2 separate Patents?
**That's basically what I did. I found a way to "build a better mousetrap" but know of 5-6 different ways to build that mousetrap, all of which I included in my provisional.
I am so glad to hear that my video was helpful! 😊 Yes, you can include both embodiments of your invention in your PPA. You may however need to separate the two propulsion inventions into two patents later if both methods of propulsion are different inventions and could both stand alone outside of the overall boat method that you are claiming. Hope this helps. -john
Hi John, I wonder if you talked about Application Cover sheet PT/SB/16?
And if filled online, where do we select in the cover sheet that we are paying using credit card without providing the PTO-2038?
If you follow my video and use the Patent Center form, no separate PTO/SB16 is required. Warmest regards,-john
Also, wondering - if it’s an idea for a market place do I still need to include some sort of drawing or mock up?
Yes, I think drawings, even rough sketches, can be very helpful in describing your invention. If it's a process, you can consider adding a flow chart. Here is a video that details what the PPA (Provisional Patent Application) should contain: th-cam.com/video/dDwEuuZPHZY/w-d-xo.html Warmest wishes, -john
Hi john, when uploading the documents as a Micro entity are the only documents you need..... SB15a, SB16, specifications (line drawings, summary etc)
Kind Regards, Dean
This is a great question. Thank you. The SB16 is not required when filing a PPA using the new Patent Center web portal. This SB16 form is replaced by the ADS (Application Data Sheet). However, the SB15a is required if the micro entity payment discount is selected. See the reminder in yellow, briefly shown at 10:13 in the video. I did not need to complete and upload this form since I filed as a small entity and not a micro entity. Thank you for pointing this out. Warmest wishes, -john
Hello John, thanks very much for this informative video! This is the first time I’ve tried to go through the patent process for an invention idea. I had a question about the dragon drop files section. Am I supposed to have a picture, drawing, or description of my patent idea to upload. Thanks for any help!
Glenn
Glenn, Yes. It's a good idea to include figures and drawings in your application, if this will help you explain the invention more clearly. I think this video will help answer your questions:
th-cam.com/video/dDwEuuZPHZY/w-d-xo.html
Thank you so much for watching my video and leaving your comment. I am very grateful to have you here 😊 -john
Thanks a lot. My only question is what is the format of PDF you uploaded? What must be included in it?
My patent description and figures were both scanned and stored as a single PDF document to a folder on my computer and then uploaded on the Patent Center web portal as shown in the video. I chose to combine the description and figures into the same file because my figures were not complicated.
Thank you for watching my videos and for the kind words. It’s so great to have you as part of our entrepreneur community. What kind of products do you work on? Please let me know if there are any other videos you would like to see me make. Warmest wishes. -john
@@johnferrellesq. Thanks a lot. We make websites. One more questions I have. Where do we have to upload a form sb0015a - Certification of Micro Entity Status for reduced fees? Do I upload with the patent PDF that I will upload or somewhere else?
Hello, thank you for the video! I am currently filing a design patent online on my own, and there are so few videos like yours. May I ask, if I am going to file a design patent online on my own, do I choose Web ADS? Is it the most straightforward way when compared with the other two options? Also, so far, I have the following documents ready for uploading. Is it possible to politely ask you to see if the following documents are all I need to upload when filing through Web ADS? I have: (1) Specification sheet in .docx, (2) Photographs in .pdf, (3) Oath and Declaration in .docx. Is that all I need? I am only filing for small business, not micro-entity. In this case, are there any additional documents that I need to upload?
Note: In the specification sheet I prepared, here are the following items I have: Preamble, Specification, Cross Reference to Related Application (none), Statement regarding federally sponsored R&D (none), Description of the Figure(s) of the photographs.
Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate any of your insights, every dollar counts these days! Have a nice evening!
Just to be clear, since you are writing in reference to this video I am assuming that you are filing a PPA (Provisional Patent Application) and not a Design Patent which is something completely different. Design patents cover ornamental designs. See this video regarding design patents: th-cam.com/video/alx9bHAogYc/w-d-xo.html
If you are referring to your PPA then the WebADS contains everything you need except the patent application. The patent application that I uploaded in the video was in a PDF file containing my specification, one claim and figures. I loaded mine as a single file, although you can upload the specification and figures as two separate documents. If you need more help preparing your application, see this video: th-cam.com/video/kbKa3O_jIm4/w-d-xo.html
Note that if you were to claim micro entity status, you would also need to upload an SB15a form: www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sb0015a.pdf
Hope this helps. -john
@@johnferrellesq. Hello, thank you SO MUCH for your reply. Yes, I am indeed preparing for the DESIGN patent right now (I would not be confident in filing the utility patent on my own, to be honest). I have to say that all of your videos are so helpful, and I really appreciate you taking the time and effort to make videos for us. Also, thank you so much for the reply! I am 95% ready to file online as a small entity at the moment.
I have two more questions if that is okay to ask here, again. First, I wish to file my design patent under my LLC. Do I input the LLC name under the assignee? (I am the only member of the LLC, and this is the very first time I ever file for design patent.) Second, I have prepared drawings ready, but I am a bit confused about the shading/chamfering part. The material is stainless steel, so I would assume it falls under the metal guideline on USPTO. However, if the whole thing is made of stainless steel (and commonly known to be made in this material), do I need to specify the material in the drawings, or should I just write it in my title? Also, do you know how people usually draw the shading in metal? Sorry, I know that’s a lot to ask. I really appreciate your help and reply! Have a nice day!🙂
@@Watchesobessed Thank you for the kind comment. I am so happy that you are finding these videos useful.
I know this will not feel that helpful to you, but I urge you not try to prepare your own Design Patent. Every shape and line in the drawings is critical and there is an entire PTO publication on how to properly prepare these design figures. Your Design Patent may fly right through the examination process but the first time you try to assert your flawed design patent against an infringer on Amazon or elsewhere, the accused product’s attorney will likely laugh at you. You will also have difficulty finding a litigation attorney to assert a defected patent on your behalf.
Either hire a patent attorney to prepare your Design Patent or hire a skilled patent draftsman to carefully prepare all of the figures for you. Without the help of an experienced patent attorney, the road to your first design patent is likely to be a long journey.
If you wish to file the patent application with your LLC as the assignee, then you will need to contractually assign the patent application to the LLC in writing. Here is a link to the PTO Assignment Center: assignmentcenter.uspto.gov The help of an attorney may be useful here as well.
One last thing: it is possible to greatly accelerate your design patent application and get it issued very quickly - maybe within a couple of months under Rule 155. www.ecfr.gov/current/title-37/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-1/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFR5ba9219fb1b6d20/section-1.155
I am so sorry for the complexity here and wish I had more free resources to offer you, but unlike PPAs (Provisional Patent Applications), Design Patent applications must be very precisely prepared and prosecuted. If you don't already have your own patent attorney, let me know if you would like to check this out with one of our attorneys. Wishing you all the best. -john