The process of obtaining a patent is a multi-step process. First, you must file an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The USPTO will then review your application and determine whether or not it merits approval. If so, your patent will be granted by the USPTO; if not, they will reject it outright or suggest changes that need to be made before they can approve it. Once your application has been approved by both parties–you and them–it becomes official: Your invention is now patented!

Patents issued by this agency last for 20 years from their date of issue (or 17 years after priority date if there are foreign counterparts). However, this does not mean that upon expiration all rights associated with such inventions go away entirely; rather only those associated specifically with that particular patent cease being enforceable under UCC law as well as any other laws related specifically thereto (e..g., copyright infringement via unauthorized use). In fact most people who hold patents choose not register them due largely because registration costs money ($300 per year) but mostly because doing so does nothing except provide proof-positive documentation regarding ownership should someone else come along later claiming ownership based on prior art evidence which may cause problems down line when trying access funds needed maintain ongoing research efforts needed keep company afloat during hard times ahead.”