Learn the fundamentals of the patent application process

Do you have an invention you want to patent? Are you unfamiliar with the patent filing process? Are you a first-time patent application filer or new to the Patent Center? Are you unsure where to start?

Get a head StART with this free, virtual three-day workshop that focuses on helping participants learn the fundamentals of the patent application process. The Stakeholder Application Readiness Training (StART) is for independent inventors, entrepreneurs, and anyone working for or with a small business who want to file patent applications without the assistance of a registered patent agent or attorney.

Patent protection is critical to:

• Safeguarding products and services from imitation
• Attracting and securing funding from outside investors
• Promoting the overall commercial success of any enterprise

The StART program is one of many initiatives and activities that form part of the USPTO’s mission. Participants of the StART three-day workshop will receive training from experts on the following subjects:

• Types of patent applications
• Prior art searches
• Scope of claims
• Formality requirements
• Claim writing and claim drafting
• Proper application forms (provisional, design, and non-provisional)
• Application data sheet
• Patent Center
• DOCX files

Participants may also choose to participate in one-on-one assistance breakout room discussions.

So you get the most out of the workshop if you are selected to attend, you must complete these course prerequisites beforehand:

• The Intellectual Property (IP) Awareness Survey to identify the type of patent that best fits your IP needs
• A written description and drawing(s) of your invention
• A USPTO customer number to track your application
• Creation of a verified MyUSPTO.gov account to gain access to better monitoring, tracking, and responses from the USPTO throughout the application process

For assistance with obtaining a customer number and setting up a verified MyUSPTO.gov account, contact the Patent Electronic Business Center (EBC).
 

Complete interest form

Instructions for joining the training session are provided via email to each registrant. For more information, email setd@uspto.gov.

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to access this training, please email the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity (OEEOD) at oeeod@uspto.gov or call 571-272-8292.