By J.D. Houvener
Patent Attorney and Founder
Patent Attorney and Founder
Hi there! Let’s keep this simple: Where do you file a U.S. patent?
I’m JD Houvener, founder of Bold Patents Law Firm. I’ve been helping inventors file patents for over a decade, so let’s break it down.
Three Ways to File
- Online
Filing online through the USPTO’s Patent Center is the easiest and cheapest option. Most applications—about 95%—are done this way. Just set up an account, upload your documents in DOCX format, and you’re good to go. - Mail
If you can’t file online, mail your application to:
Commissioner for Patents
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313 - In Person
Not common, but you can hand-deliver your application to the USPTO office in Alexandria, Virginia.
What You Need
Before filing, make sure you’ve got all the required documents. Missing something could delay your filing date, and in the U.S., it’s all about who files first.
Here’s what’s typically required:
- A written description of your invention (specification).
- A summary (abstract).
- Drawings, if needed.
- Signed declaration.
- Filing fee (amount depends on your entity size).
Want More Help?
If this feels overwhelming, check out my Bold Inventor Kit. It’s a free resource with:
- A simple guide to the patent process.
- Tips for turning your idea into something marketable.
- A preview of my book, Bold Ideas.
Click the link below to download it!
That’s it for today. Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for more tips. I’m JD Houvener—go big, go bold!