Final answer:
The title of a nonprovisional application can be different than the title of the provisional application it is based on, provided it remains descriptive and specific to the subject matter originally disclosed in the provisional application.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, the title of a nonprovisional application can be different from that of the provisional application it claims priority from. When you file a provisional application, it is essentially a placeholder that allows you to establish an early effective filing date for your invention.
A year later, you must follow up with a nonprovisional application which is a formal application that will be examined by the patent office. It is during this transition to the nonprovisional application where certain changes are permissible, including modifying the title.
The title of the invention can be updated to better reflect the scope of the invention as defined in the claims of the nonprovisional application. This might be necessary if the invention has been refined or if the focus of the invention has shifted during the year between the filings.
However, the changes made to the nonprovisional application, including the title change, must still stay true to the subject matter disclosed in the provisional application to properly benefit from the earlier filing date.
It's also important to note that the title must comply with USPTO regulations, meaning it should be concise, specific, and descriptive of the invention as claimed.