The Pro Se Assistance Program is dedicated to help independent inventors and small businesses meet their goal of protecting valuable intellectual property. Print and complete the Floodplain Development Permit Application (PDF).This page provides information on the types of patents and types of patent applications, and the examination process. This tutorial will focus on patents and the process for securing a patent in the U.S. First, let's consider why we have a patent system? Let me walk you through an overview of the patent application process so you can begin to get your ducks in a row.