The very first is to ensure that you provide an invention which is unique and new that truly qualifies for a patent. If there is already an item which is similar, then filling for any patent would have been a waste of time. To save yourself time, look at the data base around the USPTO website and see if your idea has been thought about before and is already legally covered. When it hasn't been covered yet, start together with your invention.
When creating your invention, don't forget to take notes and work from drawings. It's always best to carry out the drawings yourself. In the event you outsource your idea to some inexpensive draftsman, then you will must prove the concept was yours if the draftsman beat one to the filing application for your invention.
Your invention can be an step up from a preexisting product which has commercial value. This is an important concept to keep in mind. If your invention won't profit the public, a patent won't be awarded.
When submitting the patent, you will find services that can assist you for any price. You can employ a lawyer which just about always cost more, you can also do it yourself. The benefit of having a lawyer is the method after the application is submitted. The majority are rejected from the USPTO upon their first submission and will need changes in the application for that submission to become reviewed again. Lawyers concentrate on this area and may speed up this section of the process.
Just remember, getting a patent just isn't necessarily easy because there is a great invention, politics are involved because the US government is involved.