how do i patent an idea cheeply ? For a sort of cleaning utensil..thing?
922644
The cheapest way to patent is to prepare a patent application yourself.  Filing fees will run you about $200.  But you really need to know how to prepare the application.  If you don't, your application will be rejected because the patent examiner simply won't be able to understand it.  This is why most people choose to hire patent attorneys who are skilled in writing applications and have professional draftsmen to help them with illustrations.\n\nAlso, disregard the advice from "trucker" above.  What he is describing could be useful in cases of copyright infringement, but has nothing to do with patents...
219378
If your "idea" is an invention, you should be aware that once you disclose it to the public you may have only one year to apply for a patent to protect it.  That said, you can commit the idea, for example on a sketch, and have any disinterested person (non-relative?) sign and date your sketch as long as they understand it and testify for you (if necessary) the date of your priority (were you the first inventor?).  Some people with a good idea never obtain a patent.  For example if you designed a clever new handle for a fishing knife, you could arrange for its manufacture and if offered at a reasonable price (perhaps through catalogs) few if any would bother to compete if you already have the market tied up.  Good luck.
115413
Do your own search at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)\nhttp://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/search-adv.htm\n\nTry this search for starters:\nTTL/(saw OR trimmer)
1018226
Try the US Patent Office.  Perhaps the FAQ's can help a little.
682871
I only know of some law website which help others to get their innovation patent. http://www.poormanpatents.com/\n\nIf it is something specific, then you could search on USPTO (http://www.uspto.gov) or http://www.inventionpatent.net/patent/about.cfm
775634
You have to get it patented. Which from my research would cost you at the most $4,000. Call Patent USA or go online
193375
Most large companies will not accept unsolicited ideas for the simple reason that they could later get sued if they came up with the same idea independently.  \n\nIf the idea is so good, either do it yourself or, at least, get a patent on it. Then you'll be in a better position to sell the idea to someone else.
1074532
I have never personally done this but I found some great sources that should answer your questions...\n\nNOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) has to say about patents.\n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\nObtaining a Patent:\n* Patent It Yourself (11th Edition) by David Pressman\n* Patents and How to Get One : A Practical Handbook by U.S. Department of Commerce\n* How To Make Patent Drawings Yourself: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Jack Lo\n* The Inventor's Notebook: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Fred E. Grissom\n\nWhat to do Next:\n* From Patent To Profit: Secrets & Strategies For The Successful Inventor, Third Edition by Bob Dematteis\n* How to License Your Million Dollar Idea: Everything You Need To Know To Turn a Simple Idea into a Million Dollar Payday, 2nd Edition by Harvey Reese\n* The Inventor's Bible: How to Market and License Your Brilliant Ideas by Ronald Louis Docie \n* The Complete Idiot's Guide ® to Cashing in On Your Inventions by Richard Levy\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
48248
what i know, contact a patent attorney, i did once several years ago, but i have not experience and would like to hear wht some of your responses to this, i have bunches of ideas, (where to find the financial backing) good luck with your endeavours, it is a long drawn out process, and fees, yearly,  or whenever, so anyway, much success
950823
Go to www.inventconnect.com.au and join the website... Register or list your idea on there and ask them through their FAQ section... There is heaps of info regarding patents and other stuff in the inventors resources area...\n\nThere are lists and contact details for patent attorneys as well...
1000202
NOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) has to say about patents.\n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\n* From Patent To Profit: Secrets & Strategies For The Successful Inventor, Third Edition by Bob Dematteis\n* How to License Your Million Dollar Idea: Everything You Need To Know To Turn a Simple Idea into a Million Dollar Payday, 2nd Edition by Harvey Reese\n* The Inventor's Bible: How to Market and License Your Brilliant Ideas by Ronald Louis Docie \n* The Complete Idiot's Guide(R) to Cashing in On Your Inventions by Richard Levy\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
481548
from personal experience-DO NOT I repeat DO NOT send your idea to one of those "help you patent" outfits- I did, and didn't have the money to follow through with a patent on my own- now a major company is making a knock off of my invention! if your idea is something totally new, then you need to figure out how to develop it your own- learn how to build it so you can see if it's a really valid idea. if an improvement to something that already exists you may be able to patent "improvement to prior art"- either way a good place to start is:\n\nhttp://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html\n\nlook to see if anything already exists like your idea, and if not then start development!
959561
just phone them up and sell them the idea - try wikipedia, google or ask.com
671964
Create something unique and then follow the process.  Look it up on line...ie: search "how to register a trade mark"...
781423
I would patent the idea first and then go to Microsoft so they can't steal it from you.  If they do try and steal it from you and you have a patent then you can sue them, but if they know you have a patent and they like it they can purchase it from you.
809368
A copywrite attorney will help protect your idea. Unlike an invention, which are governed by patent law, recipes are covered by copywrite law. Then, if all you have is an idea, you should pitch it to a candy company that manufactures gum. If you have an actual recipe, and can produce a batch to distribute as samples, go out and get financing to start your own small plant.\nFind some people who like your product and sell them a portion of your company. Always maintain at least 51% of the responsibility for the company, so you will have the final say in all decisions. Find a mentor who can advise you and get started.
246891
patent it. go to the government service. if you go to the attorneys they will charge you around 2000-5000. you can also document and date the design, then show it to the manufacturer. they can tell you if it is marketable; but be careful. they can steal you idea/design. so document and date it well. go see an attorney that doesn't try to sell you patent service.