Path to a Patent

The Path to a Patent quarterly series covers everything from intellectual property basics, to patent searching, to what you’ll need to draft and submit your patent application. The series is part of our ongoing intellectual property training for independent inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

Upcoming events

USPTO experts share important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support.

Past events

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and overview of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Approved for MCLE credit in CA.

USPTO experts discuss parts of the claim in a patent application, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

USPTO experts discuss the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

Hear about preliminary searching in part three of this eight-part recurring series.

Learn key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications in part two of this eight-part series.

USPTO experts provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) that includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as well as an introduction to the patent process.

USPTO experts share important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support.

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and provide an overview of the Patent Cooperation Treaty. Approved for MCLE credit in CA.

USPTO experts discuss parts of the claim in a patent application, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

USPTO experts discuss the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

USPTO experts discuss preliminary patent searching using the suggested seven-step strategy.

USPTO experts will discuss the key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.

USPTO experts provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) that includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as well as an introduction to the patent process.

USPTO experts share important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support.

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and provide an overview of the Patent Cooperation Treaty. Approved for MCLE credit in CA.

USPTO experts discuss parts of the claim in a patent application, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

USPTO experts discuss the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

USPTO experts discuss preliminary patent searching using the suggested seven-step strategy.

USPTO experts will discuss the key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.

USPTO experts provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) that includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as well as an introduction to the patent process.

USPTO experts share important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support.

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and provide overview of the PCT. Approved for MCLE credit in CA.

USPTO experts discuss parts of the claim in a patent application, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

USPTO experts discuss the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

USPTO experts discuss preliminary patent searching using the suggested seven-step strategy.

USPTO experts will discuss the key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.

USPTO experts provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) that includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as well as an introduction to the patent process.

USPTO experts share important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support.

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and provide overview of the PCT. Approved for MCLE credit in CA.

USPTO experts discuss parts of the claim in a patent application, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

USPTO experts discuss the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

USPTO experts discuss preliminary patent searching using the suggested seven-step strategy.

USPTO experts will discuss the key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.

USPTO experts provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) that includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as well as an introduction to the patent process.

USPTO experts share important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support.

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and overview of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Approved for MCLE credit in CA.

USPTO experts discuss parts of the claim in a patent application, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

USPTO experts discuss the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

USPTO experts discuss preliminary patent searching using the suggested seven-step strategy.

USPTO experts will discuss the key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.

USPTO experts provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) that includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as well as an introduction to the patent process.

USPTO experts share important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support.

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and overview of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Approved for MCLE credit in CA.

USPTO experts discuss parts of the claim in a patent application, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

USPTO experts discuss the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

USPTO experts discuss preliminary patent searching using the suggested Seven-Step Strategy.

USPTO experts will discuss the key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.

USPTO experts provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) that includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as well as an introduction to the patent process.

USPTO experts share important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support.

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and overview of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Approved for MCLE credit in CA.

USPTO experts discuss parts of the claim in a patent application, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

USPTO experts discuss the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

USPTO experts discuss preliminary patent searching using the suggested Seven-Step Strategy.

USPTO experts will discuss the key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.

USPTO experts provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) that includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as well as an introduction to the patent process.

USPTO experts share important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support.

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and overview of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Approved for MCLE credit in CA.

USPTO experts discuss parts of the claim in a patent application, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

USPTO experts discuss the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

USPTO experts discuss preliminary patent searching using the suggested Seven-Step Strategy.

USPTO experts will discuss the key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.

USPTO experts provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) that includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as well as an introduction to the patent process.

USPTO experts share important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support.

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and provide an overview of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

USPTO experts discuss parts of the claim in a patent application, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

USPTO experts discuss the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

USPTO experts discuss preliminary patent searching using the suggested Seven-Step Strategy.

USPTO experts will discuss the key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.

USPTO experts provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) that includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as well as an introduction to the patent process.

USPTO experts share important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support.

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and provide an overview of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

USPTO experts discuss parts of the claim in a patent application, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

USPTO experts discuss the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

USPTO experts discuss preliminary patent searching using the suggested Seven-Step Strategy.

USPTO experts will discuss the key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.

USPTO experts provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) that includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as well as an introduction to the patent process.

USPTO experts share important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support.

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and provide an overview of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

USPTO experts discuss parts of the claim in a patent application, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

USPTO experts discuss the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

USPTO experts discuss preliminary patent searching using the suggested Seven-Step Strategy.

USPTO experts will discuss the key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.

USPTO experts provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) that includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as well as an introduction to the patent process.

Are you an inventor? Join us for this session full of important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support. Register now for this free virtual event...

Looking for more information on using Patent Center? United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) experts will teach participants how to use this tool to file and manage patent documents online. This presentation will feature filing application documents in DOCX format, including using Patent...

​ Did you know that patents offer territorial rights, meaning that there is no such thing as an international or global patent? Learn how to help protect your intellectual property (IP) in foreign jurisdictions. United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) International Patent Legal...

​Are you an inventor considering prosecuting a patent application? Join us for Part V of our Path to a Patent series. United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) experts will discuss the parts of the claim, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants...

Understanding patent application drafting is a vital step in protecting your invention. Attend this virtual workshop and learn from United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) experts about the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common...

Are you interested in learning more about patent searching? Attend this virtual session and learn from United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) experts about preliminary searching, using the suggested Seven-Step Strategy, and more. Register now for this free event. Contact information for...

In this module, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) experts discuss key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more. Register now for this free virtual event...

Are you interested in learning about intellectual property (IP) basics? In this module, USPTO experts will: Provide a brief overview of the different types of IP (patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights) Review the patenting process from invention, to application, to issue Cover the...

Are you an inventor? Join us for this session full of important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post filing procedures and support. This virtual event is free and open to the...

Looking for more information on using the Electronic Filing System-Web (EFS-Web)? Join USPTO experts as they teach participants how to use EFS-Web and manage a patent application online using the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR). This presentation will include an interactive tutorial...

​ Did you know that patents offer territorial rights, meaning that there is no such thing as an international or global patent? Learn how to help protect your intellectual property (IP) in foreign jurisdictions. USPTO's International Patent Legal Administration will host a two-hour seminar on...

​Are you an inventor considering prosecuting a patent application? Join us for Part V of our Path to a Patent series. USPTO experts will discuss the parts of the claim, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent...

Understanding patent application drafting is a vital step in protecting your invention. Attend this virtual workshop and learn from USPTO experts about the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes. Register now for this free virtual event...

Are you interested in learning more about patent searching? Join USPTO experts as they will give a presentation on important topics related to this subject, including: preliminary searching, using the suggested Seven-Step Strategy, tips and resources for searching, and more. Register for this...

Join us on July 15 to learn from USPTO experts about the key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more . Register by July 14 for this virtual event. For accessibility requests...

Are you interested in learning about intellectual property (IP) basics? Join us for an interactive virtual session on July 8, 2021. In this module, you will receive a brief overview of the different types of IP (patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights). USPTO experts will: Review the...

Looking for more information on using the Electronic Filing System-Web (EFS-Web) and Patent Center? USPTO experts will teach participants how to use these platforms, and manage a patent application online using the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR). This presentation will include an...

If you are an inventor, don't miss this session full of important tips on filing for a patent. Learn how to avoid common mistakes and gain a better understanding of post filing procedures and support. This event is free and open to the public, so register early. For more information, please email...

​ Did you know that patents offer country-by-country protection? Learn how to help protect your intellectual property in foreign jurisdictions. The USPTO's International Patent Legal Administration will host a two-hour seminar on considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications...

​If you are an inventor considering filing or currently prosecuting a patent application, don't miss Part V of our Path to a Patent series. USPTO experts will discuss the parts of the claim, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better...

Understanding patent application drafting is a vital step in protecting your invention. Attend this virtual workshop and learn from USPTO experts about the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes. This event is free and open to the...

Are you interested in learning more about patent searching? USPTO experts will give a presentation on important topics related to this subject, including: preliminary searching, using the suggested Seven-Step Strategy, tips and resources for searching, and more. Register early for this virtual event...

Join us on April 16 to learn from USPTO experts about the key differences between provisional and non-provisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways available to file a provisional application, and more . Register early for this virtual event. The April 16 session...

Join us for an interactive virtual session on Friday, April 2, 2021. In this module, you will be provided a brief overview of the different types of IP (patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights).

If you are an inventor, don't miss this session full of important tips on filing for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post filing procedures and support. Slots are limited, so register early. For more information, please email western@uspto.gov, call...

Now that you have finished your patent application, the last step is filing with the USPTO. Learn how to use the Electronic Filing System-Web (EFS-Web) and manage your patent application online using the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. This event is free and open to the...

​ Did you know that patents offer country-by-country protection? Learn how to help protect your intellectual property in foreign jurisdictions. The USPTO's International Patent Legal Administration will host a two-hour seminar on considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications...

​Claim drafting may be the most important part of protecting your invention. Learn the basics of claim drafting from USPTO experts in this interactive workshop. You will develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim during the course of examination. This event is free and open...

You need to understand patent application drafting to protect your invention. Attend this virtual workshop and learn from USPTO experts about the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as common pitfalls to avoid. This event is free and open to the public, so register...

Before you file your patent application, you need to conduct a prior art search. Learn about the benefits of searching, how to perform a prior art search using keywords and the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system, and how to build a search strategy using the suggested Seven Step Strategy...

Learn from USPTO experts the key differences between provisional and non-provisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways available to file a provisional application, and more . Register early for this virtual event. The January 21 session will be offered virtually...

Learn about intellectual property basics at this interactive virtual session. In this module, we will provide a brief overview of the different types of IP (patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights). USPTO experts will then review the patenting process from invention, to application, to...

Now that you have finished your patent application, the last step is filing with the USPTO. Learn how to use the Electronic Filing System-Web (EFS-Web) and manage your patent application online using the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. This event is free and open to the...

Claim drafting may be the most important part of protecting your invention. Learn the basics of claim drafting from USPTO experts in this interactive workshop. You will develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim during the course of examination. This event is free and open...

If you want to protect your invention, you need to understand patent application drafting. Attend this workshop and learn from USPTO experts about the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as common pitfalls to avoid. Space is limited, so register early. You should...

Before you file your patent application, you need to conduct a prior art search. Learn about the benefits of searching, how to perform a prior art search using keywords and the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system, and how to build a search strategy. We will also provide resources for...

Before you file your patent application, you need to conduct a prior art search. Learn about the benefits of searching, how to perform a prior art search using keywords and the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system, and how to build a search strategy. You'll also learn to search databases...

If you want to protect your invention, you need to understand patent application drafting. Attend this workshop and learn from USPTO experts about the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as common pitfalls to avoid. Space is limited, so register early. You should...

Learn about different types of intellectual property (patents, trademarks and copyrights) and get an overview of the patenting process from invention to application to issue. You will also learn about the requirements for patentability, how to determine whether a provisional or nonprovisional...