If you have an idea that you believe may be eligible for patent protection, you can apply for a patent at the government patent office in your country or the country where you wish to obtain patent protection.
In the United States, for example, you can apply for a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In Europe, the European Patent Office (EPO) is responsible for granting patents that are valid in multiple European countries. In Japan, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) is responsible for granting patents to inventors in Japan.
The process of obtaining a patent can be complex and requires careful consideration of the legal requirements and procedures for filing a patent application. It is highly recommended that inventors seek the advice of a patent attorney or agent to help them navigate the process and ensure that their application meets all the necessary requirements.
In summary, to patent an idea, an inventor should file a patent application with the appropriate government patent office or use international patent systems such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) to obtain patent protection in multiple countries.