Spongetech Delivery Systems, Inc. (fka SPNGQ)

[loanranger]

SF..."I found the 18-month bit hard to believe".

To clarify:
1. An application is filed.
2&3. Examiners attempt to determine if it's really "new art" and I believe will typically kick it back to the inventor for changes and clarifications. If they come to a point where they are satisfied that it's warranted and adequately documented, a patent is issued. Regardless of the status of that process, after a period of time from the original filing (which I believe to be 18 months) the original filing is published and becomes available for public viewing.

This is just stuff I picked up as a result of bumping into it before, so if it's critical to you you should double-check every word of it.