How to File a Patent Online

You can use more modern technology to file a patent.

After spending so much time and energy developing a product, an inventor must fill out a patent to make sure that the idea is not stolen and that he can claim the financial benefits from the product. Due to advances in Internet technology, patents are now easier than ever to file by simply uploading a few documents to the U.S. Patent Office website.

Instructions

1. Go to the EFS-Web section of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (see Resources section).

2. Click "Launch EFS-Web Unregistered eFiler" to start the application process. On the next page, enter the patent holder's first name, last name and email address. Select the kind of application the patent is for ("Utility," "Design" or "International Application") and click "Continue."

3. Enter data about the patent being filed, including the title of the invention, the attorney docket number and an address where the patent holder is located.

4. Attach documents to the application. Depending on what patent is being filed, these could be PDF files about how the product works, digital photos of what the product looks like, or a variety of other options.

5. Calculate and pay the processing fee. As of April 2010, the fee to file a patent is $130, but the price can change on a yearly basis. Check the fee before submitting the application.

6. Complete the application and print out a copy for your receipt. The average patent application takes about 24 months to process, so be prepared for a lengthy wait.

References

• United States Patent and Trademark Office: About EFS-Web