Legal Definitions - informal application

An "informal application" generally refers to a preliminary submission or request that precedes a more comprehensive, formal legal application. While not always a legally binding document in itself, it serves to initiate a process, reserve a place, or provide initial information without meeting all the stringent requirements of the final application. In the context of patents, a common example is a provisional patent application, which allows an inventor to establish an early filing date for an invention with fewer formalities than a full patent application.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Patent Context (Provisional Patent Application)

  Scenario: An independent inventor, Dr. Aris Thorne, develops a new type of biodegradable plastic. He wants to secure his invention date quickly but isn't ready to commit to the significant cost and detailed drafting required for a full patent application.

  Illustration: Dr. Thorne files a provisional patent application with the patent office. This submission includes a description of his invention, but it doesn't require formal claims, an inventor's oath, or detailed drawings prepared to specific standards. This provisional application acts as an "informal application" because it's a less formal, preliminary step that secures his priority date for one year, allowing him time to refine his invention and prepare a more comprehensive, formal non-provisional patent application later.

• Grant or Funding Application

  Scenario: A non-profit organization, "Green Futures," identifies a need for a community garden project and learns about a foundation offering grants for environmental initiatives. The foundation requires a "letter of inquiry" before inviting full proposals.

  Illustration: Green Futures submits a two-page letter outlining their project idea, its goals, and a rough budget estimate. This letter of inquiry is an "informal application" because it's a preliminary submission designed to gauge the foundation's interest and determine if the project aligns with their funding priorities, without requiring the extensive detail and documentation of a full grant proposal. If successful, they will then be invited to submit the formal application.

• Regulatory or Permit Context

  Scenario: A small business owner, Ms. Lena Chen, wants to open a new restaurant in a historic district. Before investing in architectural plans and detailed permit applications, she wants to understand if her proposed outdoor seating area would even be considered by the city's planning department.

  Illustration: Ms. Chen schedules a pre-application meeting with a city planner and brings a simple sketch and a brief written concept for her restaurant, including the outdoor seating. This discussion and preliminary submission constitute an "informal application" because it's a less formal way to seek initial feedback and guidance from the regulatory body, helping her understand potential issues and requirements before she commits to the time and expense of preparing and submitting a formal zoning variance and building permit application.