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Question
how to extend patent pending protection provided by provis patent application if not ready to invest in UP.?
6 months ago - 2 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
If you do not file a utility application within one year of fileing the provisional, you will loose the benifit of the provisional, which is only its filing date. It offers no protection. On the other hand, you might be able to file other provisional applications. However, you will likely only get the filing date of the new provisionals.
by cato___
6 months ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
I would not allow provisionals to lapse without filing a corresponding utility if you ever hope to receive a patent on the technology. You can always file a continuation in part application later if you develop more related technology. That being said, as long as you have a provisional on file, you can keep using "patent pending." Keep in mind, though, that the biggest benefit to filing a provisional is to reserve your constructive date of reduction to practice. You lose that every time you let a provisional application lapse without filing a related utility application. This is huge because it allows the examiner to use more prior art against you.
by DetroitPatent- 6 months ago