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There are several different kinds of patents available and a recipe could fall into more than one category of patents. The Utility Patent protects new inventions that have a useful application. This covers new methods, processes, machines, manufactured items, devices or chemical compounds or any new improvements to any of these. Most recipes would fall under the Utility Patent category. The product shape or packaging may also be susceptible to protection under a design patent. In this case you could apply for one of those as well. Patents can be filed either in the United States or in other countries. If you feel that your recipe requires international protection, then you should apply for a patent in countries where you want patent protection. The European Union offers a "European Patent Office" that facilitates patent applications for countries within the EU. There are patent lawyers who specialize in filing the necessary paperwork with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. While you're certainly allowed to submit your own paperwork, the patent office recommends you hire a lawyer at this point to handle the flow of paperwork and make sure you submit all the required materials. Regardless of who does the actual filing, the papers are then submitted electronically to the patent office. The application cover sheet and list of required attachments can be obtained from the United States Patent and Trademark Office website, at uspto.gov. The patent application should be filed either online or via regular mail (note that filing online will allow you to avoid the $400 "non-electronic filing" surcharge and speed up the process considerably). The US patent office will consider your paperwork and make a determination if your recipe is eligible for a patent. If you're approved, the patent office will contact you. After you pay an issue and publication fee, your patent will be granted. The vast majority of patent applications are routinely rejected. You should not take it personally. Examiners are required to enforce the rules diligently and it often works out to your advantage, resulting in a more valuable patent. If your application is rejected you have an opportunity to argue or to amend (narrow) the claims or to appeal the examiners' final decision. This often takes several years and thousands of dollars in filing fees and attorneys' fees. If your application is finally rejected and you abandon it, and you still want to protect your recipe, you can do so by protecting it as a trade secret. Those who know the secret will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement, and in this way you can prevent your recipe from getting leaked.
Decide what kind of patent you need. Figure out where you need patent protection. Work with an attorney to file your paperwork. Wait for your application to be approved or rejected.