Step one in patenting an idea would be to see whether it is entitled to a patent to start with. The fact of the matter is, people have ideas although not all are planning to necessarily be engineered to be able to be patented properly. For example, you wouldn't be capable of patent a natural phenomena and when you have an idea that is simply too abstract, it might not be eligible for a patent as well. However, there are numerous ideas that do be eligible for a patent. A good thing to do is always to check the USPTO website to see whether your idea would qualify for a patent.
The next step in the process is always to determine whether your patent is one that's fantastic. You may be surprised with the amount of different ideas happen to be patented so it is likely to take some research on your part in order to determine that it is open for patenting. Whether it continues to be determined that it is available, you should consider the kind of patent which will be necessary. The 3 basic kinds of patents add a design patent, plant patent as well as the utility patent. Each one of these carries its different definition and you will understand those definitions before proceeding.
There are numerous different filing strategies that should be considered. These include a US non-provisional patent, international patent or a US provisional patent. Again, some research is important by you to find out which the first is going to be befitting your idea. Once you have experienced those steps, it's about time that you should file the patent with all the USPTO. This can be done electronically and although you will find forms to take action, you may be better searching out the assistance of a qualified service that can make certain that it's filed properly. Or no attachments are essential, these must be succumbed a PDF format.
Given that your patent is filed, you will have to await your reference number and authorization code. These will be provided after processing. The authorization code can come to you personally via email and the reference number sent with the U.S. Postal Service. Once you've those numbers, you can fill out your patent application, review it, submit it and make your payment.