Inventors may apply for one of two types of patent applications:
- A non-provisional application, which begins the examination process and may lead to a patent and
- A provisional application, which establishes a filing date but does not begin the examination process.
Both types of patent applications can be filed either electronically by using the Electronic Filing System (EFS) EFS-Web or in writing to the Commissioner for Patents. You can also request that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) send informational materials providing a broad overview of the process of obtaining a United States patent, including general requirements and a listing of the depository libraries.
For a listing of the information available, visit the USPTO Web site:
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