In filing a patent application and paying required fees, the USPTO provides forms and an electronic filing tool. Getting a patent in California is the same as any other state.The patent application is filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Patent Center Overview provides details on how to file an application in Patent Center. Quick Clinic Video Series. The first step to apply for a patent online in California is to determine the type of IP protection that you require. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps of filing a patent in California, including what types of patents are available. The provisional patent application cover sheet is a form that you file with the specification and drawings of your patent application.