What is a non-provisional (utility) patent application?
The provisional application must be converted into a non-provisional application within one year to continue with the patent process. If the provisional application is not converted within a year, it will be abandoned and the priority date is lost. Once the non-provisional application is filed, and all the parts are present, your application will be forwarded to a patent examiner in the USPTO who will review your application. The non-provisional application examination process can take upwards of two years.
