Moving forward with an invention idea.

[Coldkilla]

I've had this idea in my head for 12 years and I finally decided to take the initiative to get my idea out of my head and (possibly) into a product. First things first: Its an electronic, simple electronic using existing technology but still electronic. Something I know absolutely nothing about.

I heard that I need to get:

A. A lawyer
B. A patent
C. A patent search

This all costing me (a minimum) of $7,200. However, I've seen products for sale in the markets that aren't patented. Whats the deal with that? For my product, if I do not have the initial startup funds, how can I have investors invest in this idea? (If it even works like that).

I've also heard that patent searches cost over $700, and do not always find something. In which case, you could be sued for a lot of money. How can I avoid this, and do you recommend this search?

Also: I do not know any electricians personally that could help me assemble this piece of technology, but by simply sticking two current technologys together litterally with tape could constitute towards a prototype. But that's as close as I can get to actually creating it by myself.

Any information on which steps for me to take, for someone in my position, would be real nice. I appreciate it!

 

[Coldkilla]

Headin in for the night - bump.

 

[Coldkilla]

No inventors here? :/

 

[adlep]

I am in similar situation. Decided to apply for the provisional patent first and do it myself.
Get these two books:
http://www.amazon.com/Patent-Y...&qid=1192596421&sr=8-1
and
http://www.amazon.com/Patent-P...&qid=1192596421&sr=8-3
also, since your idea has something to do with electronics, please read through this example of the non-provisional patent at about.com (this is the real thing):
http://inventors.about.com/od/...a/electricalconn_2.htm


Good luck

Edit: Before shelling out the $7200.00 in the patent fees, read these two books above, apply for the patent pending, write the NDA, and explore the commercial potential of your idea.

In terms of the patent searching, try Google Patent search beta:

http://www.google.com/patents

 

[Coldkilla]

Thanks for the links. I'll purchase these materials and get started. My only fear is that I did not search for the correct term, and there might be an invention out there simliar to mine.