Table 5.

Stages in a typical utility patenting process.

Stage	Task
1	Identify invention
2	Patentability evaluation and preparation (including invention disclosure) of the patent application (via patent attorney or self)
3	Filing of the application with a patent office
4	Prosecuting the application (negotiating with the Patent Examiner regarding what can be granted) to reach an outcome (issuance or abandonment or restart the negotiation)
5	Patent issuance
6	Post-issuance procedures (optional)
7	Payment of maintenance fee to keep the patent alive
8	Enforcement of patent against infringers (if necessary)