This page provides information on the types of patents and types of patent applications, and the examination process. A flow reversal (or a hepatofugal flow) is seen in the case of portal hypertension (Fig. 6).A stepbystep overview of a patent application and maintenance process. The five stages of a patent 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? The patent system was created to protect and promote innovation and economic growth. It is possible to prepare and file your own provisional patent application.