re: Anyone here ever had their idea patented and produced?

I can hook you up with top notch patent counsel at a flat rate. Let me know if you are interested.

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I can hook you up with top notch patent counsel at a flat rate. Let me know if you are interested.

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Where ya located?

I had an uncle that patented a machine that was used in the harvesting of sweet potatoes. I think it cleaned them without damaging them. This was in the 1930's. He was born and raised on a farm and he thought up the idea, designed it, built a prototype, fine tuned it, and did sell some machines, but he didn't make big money out of it.

Be aware, if you have your prototype manufactured in China, it's as good as gone. I've seen it happen first hand. Good luck though.... So you're saying there's a chance

OK... to start you have to do a comprehensive patent search for ANY similarities to your invention whole or part... for the past 30 years. Also, your idea/invention if released must be less then 1 year old.

There are different patent options:

1. Provisional patent-holds your idea for 12 months, fairly inexpensive to file and give your invention the 'patent pending' designation.

2. Utility patent- this protects the functionality of your invention. If approved, you hold your patent for 20 years. Fairly expensive, not guarantee approval.

3. Design patent- this protects the look of your invention, but not the functionality. Less expensive than the utility patent.

The approval of a patent application is based on how the patent is written and interpreted by the US patent examiner.

I usually hire a patent attorney to handle everything, but they can be fairly expensive. Other option is to consult one of these online invention sites.

Good luck, it feels pretty good to actually hold a patent...

I think someone here patented the dongzilla.

Thanks for such a detailed response.

I'm willing to listen to any advice.

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Anyone here ever had their idea patented and produced?

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No but when I lived in ATL, I worked for a patent attorney.

After you get your utility patent or whatever patent you apply for, you should take it to Shark Tank.

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FWIW, as soon as you get detailed plans drawn up, put a copy in an envelope, seal it well and mail it to yourself, making sure the postmark is legible. once you receive the package back, keep it in a safe place unopened in case someone tries to say you did not invent the idea. do this now....

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Yea Ive read this poor man's patent wouldn't hold up at all. I'm at the point do I get the prototype built and apply for patent given having a product or patent first so that someone at the damn prototype company doesn't steal it..