Are there any formal requirements for the specification and drawings in the provisional application?
Ans.: Yes. All provisional applications are optically scanned and stored in a secure electronic database. In order to permit scanning, all pages of the specification must be legibly written either by typewriter or mechanical printer in permanent dark ink in portrait orientation. The lines of the specification must be l ~ or double spaced. Each sheet of specification and drawings must be (1) presented on flexible, strong, smooth, non-shiny, durable, and white paper, (2) written on only one side and (3) either 21.0 cm. by 29.7 cm. (DIN size A4) or 8 ~ by 11 inches. Each sheet of specification must include a top, right side and bottom margin of at least 2.0 cm. (3/4 inch) and a left side margin of at least 2.5 cm. (1 inch). Each sheet of the drawings must include a top and left side margin of at least 2.5 cm. (1 inch), a right side margin of at least 1.5 cm. (5/8 inch), and a bottom margin of at least 1.0 cm. (3/8 inch). Photographs must either be developed on double weight photographic p
Ans.: Not at this time. We want to make this provisional application as simple and easy for inventors to file as possible, and we do not intend to examine these applications except for some very basic requirements. For example, is there a specification? Fee payment? Inventors listed? Clear indication of provisional? Further, the provisional application must be capable of being microfilmed. We may have to rethink this flexibility depending on what types of submissions we receive. But at this point in time we want to maintain maximum flexibility for inventors. 36. Is there a specific format for the provisional application cover sheet? Ans.: No. The PTO will make a suggested cover sheet available. However, the cover sheet requirements are content, not format, requirements. 37. Will provisional applications become available to the public? Ans.: By statute, provisional applications are considered abandoned one year after they are filed. Accordingly, they will not, simply as a provisional ap
