From beginning to end, the whole patent process can take anywhere from 18 months or longer so it is imperative that once you have come up with your idea or invention that you fill out the patent application as soon as possible. If you are unsure of every detail in your invention, that is alright, by filing a provisional patent application, you are establishing a priority date considering that most patents issued are on a first come, first served basis. You will then have the time before filing a standard application to work out all the details required on the patent application.