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What is the process of getting a patent in English？

The process of obtaining a patent in the United States can be complex and involves several steps. Below is a detailed explanation of the process, which is generally applicable to most countries with a patent system based on the principles of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Invention Disclosure The first step in the patent process is to have an invention that is novel, non-obvious, and has utility. This means that the invention should be something that has not been previously disclosed in any form, is not obvious to someone with knowledge of the relevant field, and has a practical application. The inventor should document the invention thoroughly, including how it works and how it is different from existing technology.
Patent Search Before filing a patent application, it is advisable to conduct a patent search to ensure that the invention is indeed novel and non-obvious. This involves searching through databases of existing patents and patent applications to see if anything similar has been disclosed. A patent attorney or a professional patent researcher can assist with this process.
Drafting the Patent Application Once the invention is disclosed and a patent search is completed, the next step is to draft the patent application. This document should include a detailed description of the invention, claims that define the invention, and any drawings or diagrams that are necessary to understand the invention. The application should be clear, concise, and precise.
Choosing the Right Jurisdiction Depending on the inventor's goals, they may need to file patent applications in multiple jurisdictions. If the inventor is targeting multiple countries, they may consider filing an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This allows the inventor to have a single application that can be translated and examined in multiple countries.
Filing the Application The patent application is then filed with the relevant patent office. In the United States, this is the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The application must be filed within 12 months of the first public disclosure of the invention, or within 12 months of the first public use or sale of the invention, or within 12 months of the filing of a PCT application.
Patent Examination After the application is filed, it will be examined by a patent examiner at the patent office. The examiner will review the application to determine if it meets the requirements for patentability. This process can take several years, depending on the complexity of the invention and the workload of the patent office.
Responding to Office Actions During the examination process, the patent examiner may issue an "office action" requesting clarification, additional information, or changes to the application. The inventor or their attorney must respond to these office actions within the specified time frame. Failure to respond can result in the abandonment of the application.
Patent Grant If the examiner is satisfied that the application meets the requirements for patentability, they will issue a "notice of allowance." This is the final step before the patent is granted. Once the patent is granted, the inventor has exclusive rights to the invention for a set period, typically 20 years from the filing date of the earliest application.
Maintaining the Patent After the patent is granted, the inventor must pay maintenance fees at predetermined intervals to keep the patent in force. These fees are typically due at 3.5 years, 7.5 years, and 11.5 years after the filing date of the earliest application. Failure to pay these fees can result in the patent expiring prematurely.
International Patent Protection If the inventor wants to protect their invention in countries outside the United States, they may need to file additional patent applications in those countries. This can be done through the PCT or by filing directly with the national patent offices of those countries.

Throughout the entire process, it is highly recommended to work with a patent attorney or a patent agent who has experience in navigating the complexities of patent law. They can help ensure that the application is prepared correctly, respond to any office actions, and advise on the best strategies for obtaining and maintaining patent protection.