File1st – A Smarter Start for Inventors and DIY Filers
File1st is an online intellectual property (IP) filing support service tailored for individuals and small businesses who want to prepare and submit their own patent and trademark applications to the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO).
The USPTO, like most patent offices around the world, operates on a “first-to-file” system. This means that the first person to file a patent application generally has priority rights over others who apply later. Although the USPTO allows inventors to file on their own, the process can be complex and time-sensitive, with strict technical requirements that are often confusing to non-professionals.
We believe the most efficient and cost-effective strategy for individuals and startups is to prepare and file either a provisional patent application or a design patent application as early as possible. Often, these drafts can be created by the inventor and reviewed by an IP professional prior to filing. File1st is here to help bridge that gap.
How It Works
- Download our FREE how-to handouts to get started.
- Write your own draft application using our templates.
- Get an optional review by our IP professionals for accuracy and formatting.
- We help you submit the application electronically to the USPTO, correctly formatted and compliant.