U.S. Provisional Patent Application - Low-Cost Filing Guide (DIY Submission)

U.S. Provisional Patent Application (USPTO)

Focus: filing mechanics only (how to submit, what to upload, and how to reduce official fees).

A) Before You File (Cost-Saving Setup)

1) Decide your USPTO entity status (biggest lever for lowering fees).

• Micro Entity: lowest fees if you qualify and file the required certification.

• Small Entity: reduced fees for many applicants.

• Large Entity: standard fees.

Official guidance: USPTO Entity Status / Micro Entity

2) Plan to file electronically via USPTO Patent Center (standard online portal).

Portal: USPTO Patent Center

B) What You Upload (Minimal Filing Package)

A provisional filing typically includes the following items:

1. Provisional Cover Sheet (PTO/SB/16)

2. Specification (your main description) - PDF

3. Drawings - PDF (optional but recommended)

4. Micro Entity certification (PTO/SB/15A or PTO/SB/15B) - only if claiming Micro Entity

5. Fee payment (paid during filing)

Micro Entity certifications: PTO/SB/15A (Gross Income Basis) and PTO/SB/15B (Institution of Higher Education Basis)

Note: A provisional does not require formal claims, an oath/declaration, or an information disclosure statement at filing.

C) Step-by-Step: Filing in Patent Center

6. Sign in to USPTO Patent Center (recommended) and start a new filing.

7. Select “Provisional” as the application type (utility or plant only).

8. Enter bibliographic information (title, inventor(s), correspondence address, etc.).

9. Upload documents (cover sheet, specification PDF, drawings PDF if any, and Micro Entity certification if applicable).

10. Review the document list carefully to confirm nothing is missing and the correct PDFs are attached.

11. Pay the fee and submit.

12. Download and save the Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt (application number + confirmation).

D) How to Keep It Low-Cost (Without Cutting the Wrong Corners)

• If eligible, claim Micro Entity (largest official fee savings) and file the correct certification.

• File online through Patent Center (avoid paper handling and reduce friction).

• Do not pay for unnecessary add-ons for a provisional (claims/oath/IDS are not required at filing).

• Keep a clean filing folder: the exact PDFs filed + the receipt + a calendar reminder for the 12-month deadline.

E) After Filing (Critical Calendar Rule)

You generally have 12 months from the provisional filing date to file a non-provisional application claiming priority to it, if you want the benefit of that early date.

Quick Checklist

• Entity status selected (Micro / Small / Large).

• Cover sheet (PTO/SB/16) prepared.

• Specification PDF ready to upload.

• Drawings PDF ready (optional).

• Micro Entity certification ready (PTO/SB/15A or PTO/SB/15B) if claiming Micro Entity.

• Filed via Patent Center.

• Receipt saved and 12-month deadline added to your calendar.

Clickable Links (USPTO)

• USPTO Patent Center

• PTO/SB/16 - Provisional Cover Sheet

• PTO/SB/15A - Micro Entity Certification (Gross Income)

• PTO/SB/15B - Micro Entity Certification (Higher Education)

• Micro Entity Status (overview)

Prepared for: U.S. citizen DIY provisional filing (fee-minimizing workflow).