A patent application is a formal request submitted to a government authority, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to obtain exclusive rights for an invention. This process involves providing detailed information about the invention, including how it works and its potential uses. If granted, a patent allows the inventor to prevent others from making, using, or selling the invention without permission for a specific period. There are different types of patent applications, including utility patents, which cover new inventions or functional improvements, and design patents, which protect the ornamental design of an item. The application process can be complex and often requires legal expertise to navigate successfully.