SCORE:
1. The first thing to do with a new idea is to get a patent.
2. If my product has not been on the market before, I can patent it.
3. Having a patent stops others from copying or imitating my product.
4. Getting a patent is something I can do quickly, at low cost.
5. Having a patent is needed to be able to sell my product.
6. Having a patent will assure the success of my product.
7. Having a patent will assure that I will be able to sell my idea or license it to a big company.
8. I can get a non-disclosure agreement which will give me adequate protection without a patent.
9. Describing my idea in a registered mail letter to myself will protect me.
10. So is there anything I can do, without major expense, for at least a measure of protection?
You can file a provisional application in the US Patent and Trademark Office. No search, no claims, and no special format requirements apply, so you can do it yourself provided that you make a complete enough disclosure to enable others to practice the invention by using only ordinary skill in the field to which the invention pertains. For a private inventor or small business, the only cost is a government fee of $100. For more information, visit the USPTO.
Photo by USPTO.