If you first want to educate yourself on learning how to apply for a patent, then you may want to get provisional patents initially. Keep in mind that the inventor that files the provisional patent has up to one year to “rent” these rights. This establishes a record of the invention that trumps applications to your same invention.

While there are some drawbacks to doing so, this patent is much cheaper, does not require you to write claims, and offers you protection with patent pending status. This allows you to establish an early priority date without the high cost of drafting a formal application. But you must file a non-provisional patent (NPA) within the year.

There are also patent submission services that allow you to apply for a patent online with the assistance of industry professionals such as Invent Help.

Steps to apply for patents are not that difficult in theory. Its the details and a persuasive and detailed writing style that might have you considering hiring a patent attorney or patent agent. The only difference between the two is that a patent attorney is a licensed lawyer. This helps if you should have to court to protect or defend your rights. Both will act as the liaison for you and the patent office. They will show you how to apply for a patent, perform a patent search if one is needed, and keep you apprised of all developments.

However, keep in mind that the services of a patent attorney or patent agency are not free. You will still have to do some of the leg work yourself, and any work that they perform will be billed either on an hourly rate or a set fee basis. Patent Agencies typically charge much less for their services as you can read from this InventHelp review. If you can learn how to apply for a patent on your own, you may find that it is easier and less costly to do the work yourself.