Applying for a Patent

After reviewing previous works and determining that your invention is patentable and economically viable, you should file a patent application. If you are a U.S. inventor, the easiest process is to file a regular or provisional patent application with the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). You can begin this process by hiring a good patent attorney or agent, or by preparing and filing the patent application yourself if you have a good understanding of how to draft a patent application and get it filed at the PTO.

In this section, you'll find:

Checklist Of Preliminary Steps
There are a number of things you should do before applying for a U.S. patent.

Drafting A Patent Application
Find out more about the required parts of a patent application, as well as how to draft a patent application, with tips on specific wording.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application
Once you submit your application, the PTO will respond in one or two "Office Actions." Find out more about Office Actions and how to respond to them