This page provides information on the types of patents and types of patent applications, and the examination process. A stepbystep overview of a patent application and maintenance process.The five stages of a patent process. A Provisional Patent provides a "patent pending" status for 1 year and buys you time to submit one or more utility patents. You can definitely sell your product before you submit a provisional patent but it will invalidate your patent. Getting a patent in Texas is the same as any other state. The patent application is filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). One thing to consider before filing for a patent is to do a patent search. To get a patent in Texas, you must first go through the patent application process. The requirements for filing are the same as in other states.