intellectual-property patents
Way to Claim an Idea for under $200
<p>I have recently come up with a very interesting concept in engineering that I would also like to share with peers. However, I am relatively fearful that someone may hear the idea and make it or patent it before I can. Thus, I would like to find a way to legally mark the idea as my own and make certain that no one can copy the concept and profit off of the copy.</p>

<p>The design concept is relatively simple. It would simply be how the device works ("chlorine gas is run through liquid x to produce y, which is taken to the magnetic gun", "water is used to make the metal behave like a conductor for when y is introduced"). I would like to lay claim. to this concept if possible. It has never been done before, thus, there is no worry about it being in public domain. I would just like it under my name.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, I am very low on money at the moment and could maybe only pay $200 to undergo whatever would be needed to claim the idea as my own. What options are available to me? How should I proceed? Thank you.</p>

<p><strong>You can keep the idea/concept/invention confidential until you have enough money to file a patent</strong>.</p>

<p>People with no previous background who write and file their own patents do not often end up with the protection they desired but it is possible for you to make a serious study of patent law and patent office procedures. I recommend David Pressman's Patent It Yourself. It is not an easy path but the book + filing fees for as a micro-entiy will be about $200.</p>

<p>An alternative is to find a business partner/investor. I also recommend posting at patents.stackexchange.com for fewer uninformed comments regarding patents.</p>

<p>Also - the USPTO has regional <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents-getting-started/using-legal-services/pro-bono/patent-pro-bono-program" rel="nofollow noreferrer">pro bono programs</a>. If you qualify, you can get free help from a patent attorney.</p>
