USPTO provisional patent application document upload

Official requirement

Add each required file. Conditional files are marked optional.

Documents this application needs

PDF · ≤25000 KB

Choose file or pagesSeveral pages are fine; we combine them into one PDF in order

Select the correct Patent Center document description for each uploaded PDF.
Split and index each section of a multi-document PDF with the correct page ranges.

Only if it applies to youPDF · ≤25000 KB

Choose file or pagesSeveral pages are fine; we combine them into one PDF in order

Include every drawing needed to understand the invention; necessary drawings cannot be added later as new matter.

Only if it applies to youPDF · ≤25000 KB

Choose file or pagesSeveral pages are fine; we combine them into one PDF in order

Only if it applies to youPDF · ≤25000 KB

Choose file or pagesSeveral pages are fine; we combine them into one PDF in order

0/1 files ready

supported format subset
Patent Center also accepts DOCX, TXT, XML and PCT ZIP files, with separate limits for some formats. UploadPrep prepares the official PDF route used for provisional application papers.
How we handle it: Use UploadPrep for PDFs no larger than 25 MB and upload other accepted formats directly in Patent Center.
application contents
A written description is necessary for a filing date; drawings are required when needed to understand the invention, while the cover sheet can be supplied through Patent Center data entry or as a form.
How we handle it: The written description is required here. Add drawings and a cover sheet PDF only when using those upload routes, and review the current USPTO filing guide before submission.