In filing a patent application and paying required fees, the USPTO provides forms and an electronic filing tool. The Washington Pro Bono Patent Network matches qualified low-income inventors in Washington state with experienced patent attorneys.The process of filing a patent in Washington State is similar to filing a patent anywhere in the United States. Your Certificate of Completion is required with your application to the Washington Pro Bono Patent Network. A stepbystep overview of a patent application and maintenance process. The five stages of a patent process. These rules are designed to streamline the pre-trial and claim construction process, and generally to reduce the cost of patent litigation. The patenting process at UW begins when you report your innovation or discovery. To report your innovation, fill out a Record of Invention (ROI) form. Fill out and file the appropriate forms with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).