Michael J. Foycik Jr., Esq.

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Need a patent application on file in a hurry? This happens, for example, if you have a trade show coming up, or want to show your idea/invention to anyone.

First, write some things down: what it is called; what it does; how it works; and what it is made of. This part can be short or long, as you prefer. It is a great start either way!

Second, make simple sketches of what your idea/invention looks like. Show the parts, too. It's good to have several views, such as top, front, and side views.

Third, get an official patent office cover sheet for a provisional patent application online at www.uspto.gov, at the forms page. It's easy to find.

Fourth, check out the micro entity form and instructions. If you qualify (most do), you are entitled to much lower government fees, and fill out the micro entity form.

Fifth, put the information from the above first and second steps into the form of a standard specification with headings. This is easy to find at the www.uspto.gov site.

Sixth, file online or by Express Mail. The above-noted official patent office site has easy instructions for this.

No time for all of the above? Not good with government forms? No problem! Contact a patent attorney for assistance. You'll need just the information from the first and second steps above, to get started. A good patent attorney should be able to review your materials quickly and at low cost, and let you know if anything else is needed. And, the patent attorney should be able to get everything filed within a reasonably short period of time. If the patent attorney is too busy, or is too expensive, just shop around – someone should be able to provide the help you need at a cost you can afford.

This is not legal advice – for that you'd need to consult a registered U.S. Patent Attorney and discuss the specifics involved.

The author is a patent attorney with over 28 years experience in patents and trademarks. For further information, please email at IP1lwyr@gmail.com, or call at 877-654-3336.