This page provides information on the types of patents and types of patent applications, and the examination process. It is obviously a novel and useful idea.Follow these 10 steps to complete your provisional patent filing online through the USPTO's EFSWeb system. Patents are about innovation — introducing new ideas, methods or things to advance some field of endeavor. The provisional patent application will allow you to introduce and "test" your invention in the market without losing patent rights. A patent is not granted on an idea, but rather on a developed product, process or composition of matter. Digitizing standards and internal requirements significantly enhances communication and collaboration in the engineering process. At Stryker, we're not just interested in your past; we're invested in your future.