I have an idea for an invention, where can I find free advice and maybe some help getting it patented?

A patent is an exclusive right to the inventor's property. That is, it excludes others from manufacturing, reproducing, and selling your invention for a set period of time. There are actually three types of patents, and they are a utility patent, a design patent, and a plant patent. Different types of patents last for different time periods. Utility patents, which cover processes and machines, generally last for twenty years. Design patents, which are self-explanatory, generally last fourteen years, and a plant patent, which is for an inventor who has discovered and asexually reproduced any new variety of plants, generally lasts seventeen years. Once the prescribed time elapses, your patent expires, and your invention becomes public domain. In order to apply for a patent, you simply contact the Patent Office and get the necessary application. There are fees you must pay when you submit your application and apply for your patent, and they are quite costly. So you must be serious about your invention before you proceed further with it. Notice the word ';apply'; for a patent application. There is simply no guarantee whatsoever that you will get a patent for your product. As soon as your application is sent to the Patent Office it will be thoroughly examined by them. If your invention passes all of their scrutiny and is found to be an original creation and you have paid all of the necessary fees, then your patent will be granted. But on the other hand, if the Patent Office finds similiarities in your invention versus an already patented invention you may be required to change your invention. Anyone can obtain a patent as long as their invention is not too close in structure, or, is not too similiar to another invention that has already been patented. Your invention must be new and not just a spin-off of another patented product. During the creation of your entire invention from beginning to end you should keep all of the documentation connected with your project. This documentation would include receipts as well as all of the information concerning your invention. You will need a drawing of your invention, with the date and your name marked on it too. There are attorneys available who deal with only the law and patents. They are appropriately known as ';Patent Attorneys'; and can be located in the yellow pages of your local telephone book. A patent attorney can properly fill out your patent application. Or if you fill it out yourself s/he can proof read it to make sure it is correct and complete and also act as your agent when dealing with the Patent Office, especially if there are any disputes that need resolved. Patent attorneys are expensive so again think carefully about if you really need one before you contract the services of one. http://www.uspto.gov/I have an idea for an invention, where can I find free advice and maybe some help getting it patented?
Go here: http://www.inventionspatents.com/





The first thing to do, and it will only cost some time and a stamp, is to document your idea with as much detail as possible and then mail the information to yourself. Registered is best but not necessary. Don't open the envelope; this is your proof of the time you thought of it by the postage mark.





Good Luck, it will end up costing you from 10 to 20 thousand for the patent search and rights.I have an idea for an invention, where can I find free advice and maybe some help getting it patented?
No one's going to give you free advice that's worth a darn. Do your own homework. Start at your local library and at the uspto.gov web site.





One more thing, and ALL books at the library will explain this, the type of ';post office patent'; suggested by the third answer is specifically invalid with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It carries absolutely NO WEIGHT by statute.





Get thee to a library.