Grouping utility based patents together

[Richard]

We have three things we need to patent.  The facility and model itself, which is very unique.  The apparatus in the facility and the technology and software running that full system.  Combined, we are looking at over 50 claims.  They are all interrelated and have mapped dependencies. 

Suggestions on the overall approach to the provisional filing? 

[Brad]

Sorry I don't know what you mean by "facility" or "model".

Typically only apparatuses/devices and methods/processes are eligible for a patent.  There are also "system" patents which are often a combination of both a device and process such as a software process that runs on a computer.

Whenever you have several related inventions you have two options:

Option 1 - File each as a separate application.   This is often more work and more expensive because you have to pay additional filing fees with the patent office.  The advantage is that you have more flexibility it licensing or selling the patents (i.e. sell patent 1 and 2 to company A and then sell patent 3 to company B).

Option 3 - File all together as a single application and then carve pieces out later as needed.  This is a cheaper option but may at times be a disadvantage to have multiple inventions tied up as a single application. 

Thanks
Brad