Guide to Filing Patents
Filing patents for utilities requires a Utility Patent Application Form or a transmittal letter that must be filed with every application to instruct the patent office as to what types of papers are being filed, such as a specification, claims, drawings, declaration, information disclosure statement, etc. A fee transmittal form is then used to calculate the prescribed filing fees and indicate the method of payment.
The fees depend on the number of sheets of paper in the specification and drawings, as well as the types of claims presented. An application data sheet may be voluntarily submitted which includes bibliographic data such as applicant information, correspondence information, and application information. The specification, which is a written description of the invention and the manner and process of making and using it, should be written in full, clear, concise and exact terms.