# Non-provisional patent

Concept · [Fundraising and equity](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/fundraising)

Also called: non-provisional patent application, nonprovisional patent, utility patent application, provisional patent, provisional patent application

The full US [patent](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/intellectual-property) application that the patent office actually examines. Inventors often file a cheaper provisional application first to hold their filing date for a year, then file the non-provisional.

**For example:** A [founder](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/founder) files a provisional application before a [demo day](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/demo-day), then works with a [patent](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/intellectual-property) attorney on the non-provisional within the year.

## Connects to (5)

- [Intellectual property](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/intellectual-property): Things you create that can be owned, such as code, designs, brand names and inventions.
- [Prior art](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/prior-art): Anything public before a patent was filed, such as earlier patents, papers or products, that shows the idea was already known.
- [Office action](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/office-action): A letter from a patent or trademark examiner explaining problems with an application, often rejecting some claims.
- [Notice of allowance](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/notice-of-allowance): A notice from the patent or trademark office that an application has been approved, pending final fees or steps.
- [Trade secret](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/trade-secret): Valuable business information, such as a formula, algorithm or process, that is protected by keeping it secret rather than by registering…

> This glossary is plain-language orientation, not legal or financial advice. Before you decide on a company structure, a contract, taxes or a fundraising deal, talk with a lawyer or an accountant.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/non-provisional-patent