A stepbystep overview of a patent application and maintenance process. The five stages of a patent process.Direct your questions regarding filing applications electronically to the Electronic Business Center at 8662179197. You cannot takeover an expired or lapsed patent, and you cannot obtain a new patent on the thing disclosed in that patent. This portion of the blog is directed towards tips that may help patent attorneys in prosecution. Lloyd and Mousilli is a renowned patent attorney and IP law firm in Houston who can help you navigate the relatively complicated process of obtaining a patent. Definition of "withdrawn patent". The examiner should provide the citations on the "Notice of References Cited" form PTO-892 (copy at MPEP § 707.05). Office Actions are formal documents prepared and communicated from a patent examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Second, fill out the patent application (a step that includes describing all aspects of your invention).