Provides the Patent Pending status

1 year lifespan

Not examined by the USPTO

Does not require claims or formal drawings

Must still file a non-provisional application before expiration

Typically filed before disclosing or selling the invention  

Protects the invention itself, what it is and what it does

20 year lifespan

Must be filed before the expiration of the Provisional Patent Application (if applicable) 

Examined by the USPTO

Usually rejected by the Examiner before allowance

Requires a specification, patent claims, and formal drawings

Stronger than a design patent, but harder to obtain

 Must pay maintenance fees

Protects the ornamental design

15 year lifespan

Cannot file a Provisional Patent Application for a design

Examined by the USPTO

"Weaker" than a utility patent, but typically easier to obtain

No maintenance fees