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Patent basics

Patent life cycle

The five stages of a patent process

For more detailed information on the patent application process,
review the USPTO Patent Application Initiative Timeline.

Title
The essentials

  • What is a patent?
  • Do I need a patent, a trademark, or a copyright?
  • What kind of patent do I need?
  • How long does it take?
  • How much does it cost?
  • Do I qualify for reduced fees?

Title
Understand the process

  • Patent process step-by-step
  • Patent system demystified
  • Inventors Assistance Center
  • Inventor and entrepreneur resources

Title
Prepare to file

  • Seven step patent search strategy
  • Application Assistance Unit
  • In person help
  • Finding a patent attorney
  • Filing a patent on my own
  • How to conduct a preliminary U.S. patent search [video]

Title
After a patent is granted

  • Maintain your patent
  • Licensing a patent
Video play icon overlaying a woman speaking about Patent Pro Bono Program.

Video

Introduction to the Patent Pro Bono Program
Two spotlights shining across each other displaying the letters “I” and “P”

IP Identifier

Learn the type of intellectual property you have and how to protect it.
Video thumbnail of the Introduction to Patent Protection training video with the Global Intellectual Property Academy logo in the background.

ONLINE LEARNING

eLearning modules on IP protection and enforcement in five languages
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Submit feedback about this page to Patents. Published on: Jul 1, 2021 09:25 AM EDT Last Modified: Jan 18, 2023 10:03 AM EST
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