Abstract: The present invention is capable of electronically linking four types of users; inventors, intellectual property professionals, investors, and the general public. This virtual environment through its application software is capable of semi-automatically creating provisional patent applications. The application preparation system guides the user through the preparation of a provisional patent application, and it prepares the necessary forms automatically, including the electronic submission of this information to the respective regulatory entity, in the present embodiment, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The generation of inventions/ideas are collected, stored, and displayed in real-time, and they are exhibited in a specific section. Patent attorneys and patent agents can be contacted for their services through the network, and they have access to the application preparation system, provided the inventor approves them.