The quickest way for someone to establish proof of creation of an invention is to file a provisional patent application (PPA), a shortened version of a patent application. This book takes readers step-by-step through the process of drafting and filing a PPA within 24 hours, explaining how to: § ·search for prior art § ·organize data § ·use charts and tables § ·create illustrations § ·assemble the PPA Patent Pending in 24 Hours also discusses the advantages and limitations of, and alternatives to, PPAs, and covers what happens after submitting one to the Patent and Trademark Office, including: § ·what happens if an invention is modified § ·whether an inventor needs a nondisclosure agreement when pitching a creation § ·how to mark an invention with "Patent Pending" The 4th edition provides the latest regulations, case law and patent-searching information, as well as new samples of provisional patent applications. Read Less