Prepare

• 1). Download and complete either the Declaration for Utility or Design Patent Application, or the Plant Patent Application Declaration. (See Resources 1 & 2.) Utility and design patent examples include manufactured articles and fabric designs, respectively, while plant patent examples include climbing roses.
  
  
• 2). Create an explanation of the idea according to the guidelines of United States Code Title 35, Section 112. (See Resource 3.)
  
  
• 3). Create illustrations of the idea if it improves the idea's explanation according to the guidelines of United States Code Title 35, Section 113. (See Resource 3.)
  
  

Apply

• 1). Register online with the United States Patent and Trademark Office as an eFILER. (See Reference 2.)
  
  
• 2). Complete the information requested under the "Application Data" tab, including idea title, inventor name, address and telephone number.
  
  
• 3). Upload the appropriate Declaration, and the idea's explanation and illustrations
  
  
• 4). Pay the necessary fees. (See Reference 3.)
  
  
• 5). Click "Submit" to complete the application.
  
  
• 6). Print receipt as submission evidence.