Starting with the right information

A patent filing starts with the invention, but also requires practical information about the applicant, inventors, ownership and any earlier filing that may be relevant to priority. The specification should be aligned with the intended filing strategy.

Provisional and complete specifications

The choice between a provisional and complete specification is context-specific. A provisional specification may be considered where an invention is still developing, while a complete specification needs to provide the required technical disclosure for the application.

After filing

Filing is one stage in a longer process. Applicants should record important deadlines and consider the timing of publication, examination and any international plans.

This overview is general information and should not be treated as a substitute for advice on a particular filing.