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The Ultimate Patent Guide: From Basics to Global Protection



Patent attorney reading the patent drawing guide and looking at patent drawings in suit, seated at wooden desk, writes in notebook in a library. Bookshelves and warm lighting create a focused, scholarly mood.

This comprehensive guide offers a deep dive into the world of patents, from understanding the fundamentals to maintaining and enforcing your rights. Whether you are a first-time inventor or a seasoned professional, this resource covers every essential step of the patent journey.


  1. Document Your Invention – Keep thorough records of the invention process.

  2. Determine Patentability – Ensure your invention is new, useful, and non-obvious.

  3. Conduct a Prior Art Search – Research existing patents and publications.

  4. Prepare Your Application – Includes claims, drawings, and specification.

  5. File the Application – Submit either a provisional or nonprovisional application.

  6. Examination by USPTO – A patent examiner reviews your application.

  7. Respond to Office Actions – You may need to amend claims or respond to rejections.

  8. Patent Issuance – If approved, your patent is granted and published.

Use USPTO's Patent Public Search Tool, Google Patents, or Espacenet to:

  • Identify similar inventions

  • Avoid duplicating existing ideas

  • Understand patent landscapes

Check the USPTO Patent Assignment Search or the Public PAIR tool. These databases let you search by inventor name, application number, or patent number.

  • How long does a patent last? Utility: 20 years. Design: 15 years.

  • How much does it cost? Fees vary from $70 (micro entity) to thousands with legal help.

  • Can I patent software? Yes, but it must demonstrate technical utility and be non-abstract.

The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) outlines:

  • Legal rules examiners follow

  • Drawing standards (Section 608.02, 1503.02)

  • Disclosure requirements (35 U.S.C. §112)


Use the USPTO Patent Center to submit applications and access records.

Before filing, create a USPTO.gov account. Use tools like:

  • EFS-Web (older system, being phased out)

  • Patent Center (modern interface with better navigation)

Track your application using:

  • Patent Center (preferred)

  • PAIR (Public/Private)

Costs vary by entity size:

  • Micro entity: 75% discount

  • Small entity: 50% discount

Use Fee Schedule Tool and pay online via USPTO Financial Manager.

2e. Forms

Common forms include:

  • SB/01 (Application Data Sheet)

  • SB/08a (Information Disclosure Statement)

  • SB/25 (Certification of Micro Entity Status)

Find all forms at: www.uspto.gov/forms


Reach out to:

  • Inventors Assistance Center (IAC) at 1-800-786-9199

  • USPTO Contact Center (available weekdays)

For complex issues:

  • Request help from the Office of Patent Legal Administration (OPLA)

  • Use the Application Assistance Unit (AAU) for missing documents or fee corrections

Submit petitions for:

  • Late filings

  • Restoration of rights

  • Changing inventorship

If rejected, you can:

  • File an appeal with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)

  • Consider inter partes review (IPR) or post-grant review (PGR) for disputes


Utility patents require maintenance at:

  • 3.5 years

  • 7.5 years

  • 11.5 years

Pay via USPTO Financial Manager.

Patent term = 20 years from filing (for utility), adjusted by delays or extensions.

Use USPTO Patent Term Calculator.

Reinstate within 2 years of expiration by:

  • Filing a petition with fee

  • Providing a statement of unintentional delay

  • File an Assignment Recordation Cover Sheet (SB/15)

  • Search patent ownership using Assignment Search Tool


COVID-19 relief allowed for:

  • Late fee waivers

  • Petition deadline extensions

Check for updates at www.uspto.gov

  • Use PCT for global protection via WIPO

  • File through USPTO Receiving Office or directly with WIPO

Schedule examiner interviews to:

  • Clarify rejections

  • Resolve issues faster

Use USPTO Interview Request Form.

Visit USPTO Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) for guidance.

  • Pro Bono Program

  • Law School Clinics

  • Patent & Trademark Resource Centers


Pro se filing is allowed. Use resources like:

  • Pro Se Assistance Program

  • USPTO webinars and guides

Seek help from:

  • Registered patent agents/attorneys

  • Pro bono networks

PTRCs and university-based programs offer:

  • Patent research help

  • Filing guidance

Call 1-800-PTO-9199 for live support on:

  • Filing

  • Fees

  • Application status

Designed for:

  • Independent inventors

  • Small entities

  • Allows faster review for qualifying applications


Need a Patent Illustrator?

Professional patent illustrations are critical to your application. I provide:

  • USPTO-compliant line drawings

  • Utility & design patent figures

  • Quick turnarounds & office action fixes


Contact me today!

Sal Navarro Patent Illustrator at SNS Patent Drafting

Los Angeles, CA | Orange County, CA | Southern California | Worldwide

📱 818-463-5663

📸 @patentillustrator on Instagram

 
 
 

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