Provisional Patents FAQs

All patent applications must be filed in the name of the actual inventor(s). As often happens, however, the owner of the invention may be another person or entity. This would occur, for example, if the invention was created as part of one’s employment or if it was sold or transferred to somebody else.

If this is the case, the inventor(s) can file an Assignment with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) either when the patent application is filed or anytime after that to inform the Office of the change in ownership. For additional information, please contact the Assignment Branch of the USPTO at (571) 272-3350.