Confirm your invention is new, useful, and non-obvious
Document your invention with dated notes, drawings, and prototypes
Search existing patents and published applications
Decide whether you need a utility, design, or plant patent
Keep your invention confidential before filing
Prepare a patent application with claims, specification, drawings, and abstract
File a provisional patent application if you want an early filing date
File a nonprovisional patent application to begin examination
Pay the required filing fees
Respond to office actions from the patent office
Amend claims or arguments if needed
Pay issue fees if the patent is allowed
Maintain the patent by paying required maintenance fees
Consider hiring a patent attorney or agent