The first thing you should do is document your idea (ie. write it down). Not just a sentence or two. You should write something called a patent disclosure. It doesn��t need to be a novel, but take some time to think through some of the details, including how your device is made. And even if you can��t draw more than stick figures, make a few sketches. Ideally, this is done in a bound notebook with pre-number pages which are available in any office supply or stationary store. The written description should enable someone with expertise in the field, to make and use your product. Every time you work on your device, note it in your notebook, with dates. Update your notebook with new entries relating to any new developments, analyses, tests, results and descriptions of prototypes. Have at least one independent party witness your notebook entries with their signature and date.When you are ready to file a patent application, hiring a patent attorney is probably your best bet. But, if you don t have the money, you may want to file a provisional patent application with the U.S. Patent Trademark Office (www.uspto.gov). The provisional application fee is only around $100. The provisional application will give you 1 year before you need to file a full application. So, it doesn t replace the application, just delays the expense of a full application. If you can afford it, it would be best to use a patent attorney. You can do it yourself but it is important that you prepare the application in the proper way and with good attention to detail. There are many books on the process. One good one; Patent it yourself by Pressman.Before you spend the considerable cost (typically 5 to 10 thousand $) for a patent application by an attorney, you should search to see what other patents already exist. You can do some searching yourself for free at the USPTO search site: http://patft.uspto.gov/If you find searching difficult or confusing, you can pay a patent attorney or agent to conduct a search, but that may cost several hundred to a few thousand depending on the area of your invention.Showing your invention to a knowledgeable party is also a good idea but make sure they sign a nondisclosure agreement first. An attorney can prepare one for you if you don t have access to one.
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