To apply for a patent, you must file an application and pay required fees. It turns out that the original idea for perforated toilet paper was patented in 1871 as patent number US117355A.Resources are available for Michigan residents to help inventors and entrepreneurs learn more about protecting their intellectual property. What are the 3 common types of patents? They are utility, design, and plant patents. "It works great," said Norton, who is running for Congress and has filed multiple patent applications on the doohickey. Sign Up for Savings Today! Funny trivia questions. Morpion pong with tissue paper rolls!!