North Carolina residents have access to a host of unique resources and assistance in their state. In filing a patent application and paying required fees, the USPTO provides forms and an electronic filing tool.Are you applying for a patent? Learn more about how a provisional patent can be used to protect your innovation in the interim. Patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defect closure is a routine procedure to close holes in the upper chambers of the heart. A "patent" is a form of intellectual property that protects inventions or discoveries. The patent attorney files the patent application with the patent office, along with "formal" paperwork, which includes a declaration of inventorship. The Patent Pro Bono Program is an opportunity for volunteer patent attorneys to provide pro bono legal services to low-wealth solo inventors. There are two types of holes which can be present between the upper chambers of the heart: an Atrial septal defect (ASD) and a patent foramen ovale (PFO).