The patent application contains numerous parts that are associated with the request of receiving a patent on your invention. There are roughly 7 actions involved in the patent process. The steps include: patent specification — the act of describing the invention for which the patent is needed; claims — part of patent specification that detail the protection sought; the filing date — this establishes priority for patent; priority claim — allows you to take advantage of a previously filed patent application and filing date; publication of the patent information; search and examination — this is to ensure there are no other patent applications pending for the same invention; and finally, the issue or granting of your patent.