As soon as you file a provisional patent application (PPA) with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, you establish an effective filing date for your invention - and you can use the term "patent pending" on it. Best of all, you'll establish proof of your claim and not pay for a full patent until you figure out whether your invention is worth the cost. With Patent Pending in 24 Hours, you'll have all the forms and information you need to get the job done! This book will help you: *evaluate the seven hurdles to patentability *write a plain-English provisional patent application *prepare informal drawings of your invention *conduct a basic patent search on the Internet *understand patent law principles *complete all forms required by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office *file your application using U.S. Express mail Patent Pending in 24 Hours also includes a nondisclosure agreement, patent assignment, prototype-maker agreement and joint-ownership agreement to help you preserve your rights when showing or selling your invention.