Steps to File for a Patent

-Steps to file for a patent-

By Melanie Brown, MGT 386, 12/5/2008

1. You must have a title for an invention
2. An attorney docket number is not required but may help when searching for the patent application
3. First name of the inventor.
4. There is an option for a middle name but it is not required.
5. Last name must be provided
- Each inventor must be named, using the steps listed above, but the first name will be the first named inventor.
6. A correspondence address must be provide if the eFiler does not have a customer number
-customer numbers will be provided by the USPTO and are used to simplify the submission of an address change, to appoint a practitioner, or to designate the fee address for a patent.
7. List the files that need to be submitted. Files that are submitted must be in .pdf, .txt, or .zip format.
-you must select the option yes or no if your .pdf file has multiple documents.
8. Use the category box to describe the document overall.
9. The document description box is provided to describe all the form and documents that are received and processed in the USPTO. The descriptions should have corresponding document code which are established and managed in IFW.
10. You are given the option to review your files and attach more files if needed.
11. Select your current business is a large entity or small entity.
12. Select if you are changing your business size from a large entity or small entity, or visa versa.
13. Select all patent application filing fees that apply to you.
14. Select all claims that apply to your application as well.
15. Select your petition filing fee that apply to your application.
16. Confirm and submit your application.
17. Pay fees
18. Confirm the method of payment you have chosen.
19. Save and/or print out receipt.

http://www.uspto.gov/ebc/portal/sandbox/efs0-3-0.htm


I believe that a patent search is necessary. You have to be extremely detailed when filing for your patent. You also need to know if someone else has already had any of the same idea as you. Also being more detailed keeps other people from using your ideas. The more detailed you can be the better off you will be.