Definition
A non-provisional patent application is the full application, including claims and a complete specification, that undergoes examination and can result in an issued patent.
Why It Matters Legally
Only a non-provisional application is actually examined and can become an enforceable patent. The claims filed here define the protection sought, making this the decisive document in the patenting process.
Example Use Case
After filing a provisional, an inventor submits a non-provisional application with detailed claims, beginning USPTO examination.
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Related Terms
Provisional Application, Patent Application, Patent Prosecution, Claims, Specification