Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)

A step-by-step overview of a patent application and maintenance process.

1. Get ready to apply
   1. Determine the type of IP protection you need.
   2. Determine if your invention is patentable
   3. Search to see if your invention has already been publicly disclosed by another party.
   4. Determine what kind of patent you need: Utility, Design, or Plant.
   5. Figure out how much your application will cost.
   6. Figure out if you need international protection
   7. Determine whether you should hire a patent attorney or agent
2. File your application
   1. Create and validate your USPTO.gov account
   2. Prepare your application: Do you want to file a provisional or nonprovisional application?
   3. Submit your application
   4. Pre-prosecution: your application is reviewed for formalities and completeness
   5. Check the timeline with the First Office Action Estimator and the Patents Data Visualization Center
3. Application Prosecution
4. Receive your patent!
5. Maintain legal protection for your invention
   1. Pay maintenance fees and check the status
   2. Record changes of ownership, address, or corrections.

Information adapted from the USPTO Patent Process Overview.