Resources are available for New York residents to help inventors and entrepreneurs learn more about protecting their intellectual property. Queens, New York Library: St. John's University Libraries Phone: 7189906201 The Queens Patent and Trademark Resource CenterStep 1: Prior Art and Product Clearance. The first step in the patent process is determining whether an idea or invention is patentable. It must be new and nonobvious. Making a Patent Application. Of course, there is more to pursuing patent protection than inventing a device or process and then filling out an application. S a member of the Patent Prosecution Group, you will assist in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications for technical innovations. Patent Agents assist patent attorneys with the preparation and prosecution of patent applications.