What's the first step?

You have your million-dollar idea and you want to get moving before someone else beats you to it. What do you do? First thing is write a description of your invention that is detailed enough to be recognizable as to form and function. You will need this no matter what. Maybe you should make drawings to accompany your provisional patent application however, they are not required at this stage but can be helpful to relate your provisional patent with your regular patent application. You can learn about making drawings in the 'Expert Advice' link at the bottom of the blog. Then you can go to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and get the forms needed to file for a provisional patent. If you don't know how to file for a provisional patent you can read a book or buy a kit or you can go do your research for free at the USPTO if you can spare the time to look through the hundreds of forms they have there. That part is free. A book tells you all you need to know and you can then go get the forms and fill them in. The advantage of a kit is that all the forms are in it complete with step-by-step instructions, which is a BIG timesaver.