Patenting an idea alone is not possible under United States law. Once you turn an idea into a new product or invention, you can apply for a patent through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A patent offers broad protection against other parties making, using or selling the patented invention without compensation to the patent owner.Types of PatentsNot all patents are created equal. Different types of inventions require different types of patents. You can file for a utility patent, a design patent or a plant patent depending on what invention you want to patent.A utility patent protects the rights of an individual who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or compositions of matters. It also protects the rights of an individual who improves an existing product or process. This is the most widely used type of patent. It lasts for 20 years from the day the inventor applied for the patent.A design patents is available to anyone who invents a new, original, and ornamental design that can be applied to an article of manufacture. Design patents last for 14 years from the day the patent is approved and granted.A plant patent is granted to anyone who invents or discovers and reproduces a new species of plant. The new plant species must be clearly different from commonly known species.Before officially applying for a patent, do a patent search with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to see if similar patents have been issued. It will help you avoid infringing on other patents. Applying for PatentsOnce you decide to file for a patent, you must apply for one in person at U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or hire a patent attorney to do it in your behalf. Your application must include a full description of your invention, drawn images and how the invention is defined in legal terms. Your invention receives patent pending status after you file your application.Be prepared to pay multiple fees with your application. You must pay a filing fee, search fee, examination fee and issue fee for a design patent, plus a publication fee if it is a utility patent.