A provisional patent application is a type of patent filing that allows you to secure an early filing date for your invention without meeting all the formal requirements of a full (non-provisional) patent application. It gives you up to 12 months to further develop your invention, finalize your patent details, and decide if you want to proceed with the full Patent Registration process.

### Key Features of a Provisional Patent Application:

1. "Patent Pending" Status: Once filed, you can label your invention as "patent pending," which offers some protection while you're refining or testing the invention.

2. No Formal Claims Required: Unlike a non-provisional application, a provisional application doesn't require formal claims, making it easier and less costly to file.

3. Lower Filing Fees: The cost of filing a provisional patent application is typically lower than a non-provisional application.

4. Temporary Filing: The provisional patent application does not get examined by the patent office and will not mature into a patent by itself. You must file a non-provisional application within 12 months to retain the filing date and continue the patent process.

5. Extended Time for Refinement: It allows you to make improvements, seek funding, or determine the commercial viability of your invention before committing to the full patent process.

In short, a provisional patent application is a helpful tool for inventors who want to secure an early filing date while giving themselves more time to prepare for formal Patent Registration.