How do I get a patent?

You can go to the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office and follow their instructions. The address is: www.uspto.gov

Do extensive research first to make sure the idea isn't already out there.

The best bet is to contact a patent attorney. They often times offer a free consultation to determine if your idea is actually feasible to patent. I worked with a patent attorney and we did consultations with many clients before the application process began.

There are many pitfalls along the way to getting a patent. While the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) is a great place to start, it's also important to have someone who understands the complexity of patent law help you.

Avoid the online do-it-yourself sites. They often do not give you full information on how to do patent searches to determine if something similar already exists.

Sites that offer to file a patent for you often do not do enough research either. You may end up going through the process only to have your patent denied by the USPTO.

Patent attorneys also are vital if the examiner at the USPTO has questions, needs clarification on claims or drawings. There are strict time frames in which to file replies and appeals. If those are not filed in a timely fashion, the patent application goes abandoned.

Contact your state bar association for a listing of patent attorneys in your area. Good luck. Getting a patent is a rewarding and fascinating process.