If you think you have thought of something or adapted something which you think has not been done before how does one go about protecting the idea?
My idea is a so simple but practical idea to do with firearms that I use myself but have never seen anybody else use and I have never seen anything like it for sale. Regards.

Nero,
Speaking as an inventor on about 40 patents, you need to understand what a patent is, and what is it not. It is certainly not a guarantee of riches. 

If you decide your invention is worth commercializing, it may be worth a patent. Otherwise, a patent is just to feed your ego. If you do go to the trouble of getting a patent, it's of no use unless you're willing to defend the patent is court (more legal fees). 

It may be cheaper overall to simply publish your invention to put it in the public domain. This blocks anyone else from getting a patent on the invention and preventing you from using it. 

If you decide you do have an invention, and can make some serious money from it, then get some good advise from a lawyer who specializes in patent law.

Regards, Ron

Nero,
Go to this web site before you go to an attorney:

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I'm advising you to be realistic about whether your invention (not idea) has the potential to make money. You have an idea, but it may not be a patentable invention. 

Regards, Ron

Nero wrote on Oct 11^th, 2009 at 6:20pm:



Ahhh yes.  More vigourous than the 'wait-a-minute vine'.