Law Office of Michael Meyer
Provisional Patent Attorney
Secure Patent Pending Status with an Experienced USPTO-Registered Attorney
- Direct Access
- Technical Expertise
- Transparent Pricing
Schedule Free Consultation Call (402) 321-7532
At Michael Meyer Law, we help inventors, startups, and businesses secure provisional patent protection through professionally drafted applications that preserve your rights while giving you time to develop your invention. As a USPTO-registered patent attorney with a chemistry background, Michael Meyer provides direct, personal service at transparent, fair rates.
Why File a Provisional Patent Application?
A provisional patent application is the most cost-effective way to establish an early filing date and secure “Patent Pending” status for your invention. Key benefits include:
Lower Cost
Reduced USPTO filing fees and attorney fees compared to full utility patents
12-Month Window
Time to refine your invention, test the market, and seek funding before filing the full patent
Priority Date
Locks in your filing date, protecting you against competitors who file later
Patent Pending Status
Legal notice that deters competitors and signals protection to investors
Why Choose Michael Meyer Law?
1. Direct Access to Your Attorney
Unlike large patent firms where your work is delegated to junior associates or paralegals, at Michael Meyer Law:
- You work directly with Michael Meyer — USPTO-registered patent attorney (Reg. No. 78,575) with 5+ years of experience
- No delegation — Michael personally drafts your provisional application from start to finish
- Direct communication — Call or email Michael directly, not through intake coordinators
- Personalized attention — Michael knows your invention, your goals, and your business
2. Technical Expertise When You Need It
Michael holds a Bachelor degree in Chemistry from the University of Nebraska Omaha, providing unique advantages for technical inventions:
- Chemical inventions: Chemical structures, synthesis procedures, characterization data
- Pharmaceutical inventions: Drug compounds, formulations, polymorphs, prodrugs
- Biotechnology: Proteins, enzymes, cell lines, bioprocessing methods
- All other technologies: Mechanical, software, electronics, business methods, and more
The chemistry background is an added advantage when needed, not a limitation. Michael handles inventions across all technology fields.
3. Transparent, Fair Pricing
National patent firms charge $400-$600/hour or more. Michael’s rates reflect Omaha’s cost structure, making quality patent protection accessible to Nebraska inventors and small businesses.
Working directly with you to simplify your design patent application process from start to finish.
We help you explored all viable IP protection options, no mater how simple or complex.
We provide you with a strategy that provides the most comprehensive protection for your IP.
Our Provisional Patent Process
Initial Consultation (30-60 minutes)
We discuss your invention, goals, patent strategy, timeline, and cost estimate. No-obligation consultation with honest advice about whether a provisional patent makes sense for your situation.
Prior Art Search (Optional but Recommended)
We conduct a thorough search to confirm your invention is novel and identify existing patents in your field. Cost: $500.
Invention Disclosure Review
You provide detailed descriptions, drawings, test data, and information about your invention. Michael reviews and asks clarifying questions to ensure full understanding.
Application Drafting (4-8 Weeks)
Michael personally drafts your provisional application including complete written description, professional drawings, alternative embodiments, and strategically broad disclosure. You review the draft and can request revisions.
USPTO Filing
Once approved, Michael files electronically with the USPTO. You receive: filing receipt with application number and date, along with a copy of filed application.
12-Month Strategy Period
During the provisional period, you refine your invention, conduct testing, and prepare for the non-provisional filing or international applications before the 12-month deadline.
⚠️ Important Deadline
Provisional patents expire after exactly 12 months from the filing date. You must file a non-provisional patent application (or PCT application) within 12 months to maintain your priority date. These deadlines are crucial and should not be missed.
Transparent Pricing
Attorney Fees (Fixed-Fee Pricing)
The vast majority of drafts cost this flat rate. Anything that might cost more will be discussed before drafting begins or payment is received.
Fee depends on: Invention complexity, number of drawings required, amount of supporting data, and how well-prepared your invention disclosure is.
USPTO Filing Fees (2026)
- Micro entity: $65
- Small entity: $130
- Large entity: $260
Most individual inventors and small businesses qualify for micro or small entity status.
Suggested Services
- Prior art search: $500
- Professional patent drawings: $25 per drawing (if not included)
- Rush service (2-week turnaround): Additional $1,000-$2,000
Michael provides a firm quote after reviewing your invention during the initial consultation.
What’s Included in Your Provisional Patent
Written Description
- Comprehensive explanation of your invention
- How it works and technical principles
- How to make and use the invention
- Alternative embodiments and variations
- Strategic disclosure to support future claims
Drawings & Figures
- Professional USPTO-compliant drawings
- Schematic diagrams and flowcharts
- Chemical structures (if applicable)
- CAD drawings or photographs
- Clear labels and annotations
Supporting Data
- Test results and performance data
- Experimental examples
- Prototype demonstrations
- Comparative data when appropriate
Filing Documents
- USPTO cover sheet
- Inventor information
- Filing fee payment
- Assignment documents (if needed)
Ready to File Your Provisional Patent?
Schedule a free consultation with Michael Meyer, a USPTO-registered patent attorney with 5+ years of experience and a chemistry background. Get direct access to an experienced attorney who will personally draft your provisional patent application.
Transparent pricing. Omaha market rates. No junior associates.
Common Provisional Patent Mistakes to Avoid
Insufficient Detail
Vague descriptions fail to support future claims. A provisional must have enough detail to establish priority for all features of your invention.
Missing Alternatives
Describing only one implementation allows competitors to design around. Strong provisionals include multiple variations.
Prior Art Admissions
Discussing prior art creates legal “admissions” that weaken your patent. Learn more about avoiding admissions.
Poor Drawings
Hand sketches or unclear diagrams that fail to adequately support your invention. Professional drawings can be helpful.
Technologies & Industries We Serve
Michael Meyer Law has experience with provisional patent applications across all technology fields:
Chemical & Pharmaceutical
- Chemical compounds
- Pharmaceutical formulations
- Polymorphs and salt forms
- Chemical processes
- Analytical and diagnostic methods
Biotechnology & Life Sciences
- Recombinant proteins and enzymes
- Cell lines and expression systems
- Agricultural biotechnology
- Medical devices
Mechanical & Engineering
- Tools and machinery
- Consumer products
- Manufacturing equipment
- Industrial processes
Software & Electronics
- Software algorithms and methods
- Computer systems
- Mobile apps and interfaces
- Electronic devices
Working directly with you to simplify your design patent application process from start to finish.
We help you explored all viable IP protection options, no mater how simple or complex.
We provide you with a strategy that provides the most comprehensive protection for your IP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a provisional and non-provisional patent?
A provisional patent application is a simplified, lower-cost filing that secures an early filing date and provides “Patent Pending” status for 12 months. It does not get examined by the USPTO. A non-provisional (utility) patent application is the full patent filing that gets examined and, if approved, issues as a granted patent with enforceable rights. Most inventors file a provisional first for research and development and test market conditions, then convert to a non-provisional within 12 months.
How long does a provisional patent last?
A provisional patent expires exactly 12 months after filing. To maintain your priority date, you must file a non-provisional patent application within 12 months. If you miss the deadline, your provisional becomes abandoned and you lose the benefit of the early filing date.
Can I file a provisional patent myself?
Yes, the USPTO allows pro se filing. However, self-filed provisionals often contain critical mistakes that jeopardize patent rights: insufficient detail, poor drawings, inadvertent prior art admissions, and missing alternative embodiments. Since a provisional sets the foundation for your full patent, professional drafting typically saves money and problems in the long run.
What happens after I file a provisional patent?
You receive a filing receipt with your application number and official filing date. You can now use “Patent Pending” on your product. During the 12-month period, you should: continue developing your invention, test the market, seek investors or partners, and prepare to file a non-provisional before the deadline. The provisional itself is never examined — it simply reserves your filing date.
Do I need a prior art search before filing?
A search is not legally required but highly recommended. It helps establish if your invention is novel and not already patented, saving you from investing in a patent that may be rejected later. A search typically costs $500.
Can I add new material after filing?
No — once filed, you cannot add new material to that provisional. However, you can: (1) file a new provisional covering the new material, or (2) include both original and new material when converting to a non-provisional (new material only gets the later filing date). This is why it’s important to disclose as much as possible initially.
What does “Patent Pending” status mean?
“Patent Pending” means you have a patent application on file with the USPTO. It provides legal notice to competitors, which can deter copying. However, it does NOT give you enforceable rights — you cannot sue for infringement until the patent issues. Once granted, you can notify would-be infringers and sue retroactively for damages during the Patent Pending period.
Ready to File Your Provisional Patent?
Schedule a free consultation with Michael Meyer, a USPTO-registered patent attorney with 5+ years of experience and a chemistry background. Get direct access to an experienced attorney who will personally draft your provisional patent application.
Transparent pricing. Omaha market rates. No junior associates.
