A provisional patent is a legal document that establishes an early filing date for an invention without requiring a formal patent claim. It allows inventors to secure their idea while they continue to develop it or seek funding. This type of patent lasts for 12 months and does not require a formal examination. During the provisional period, inventors can use the term “patent pending” to indicate that they have taken steps to protect their invention. After 12 months, they must file a formal patent application, such as a utility patent, to maintain their protection.