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*This is a simplified flowchart of the U.S. patent acquisition process. There are many variations to such a process, which should be discussed with a registered patent attorney.

PROCESS TO OBTAIN A PATENT

File Provisional Patent Application before Public Disclosure/Offer to Sell Invention

File Non-Provisional (Utility) Patent Application within One Year of Provisional Application Filing Date

U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (PTO) Requires 1- 3+ Years to Examine Your Utility Patent Application

Receive Utility Patent or Appeal Patent Office Refusal to Grant Utility Patent

Maintenance Fees Due to U.S. PTO at 3, 7, & 11 Years after Utility Patent Issue Date

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