What do I do next?

It may be confusing, what steps to take to develop your invention.

• Do I first make a prototype?
• When do I have to worry about a confidentiality agreement?
• Who can see my idea?
• Do I need witnesses?
• Should I avoid witnesses?
• Can a partner help me?
• When do I need to file for a patent?
• Can I first try to sell my invention?
• How far can I go unprotected?
• Is there such a thing as a poor man’s patent?
• Can I get help writing my own patent?
• Can I have someone look over my invention to see if it is a good idea?
• What is a patent search?
• Can I do a patent search myself?
• Is it safe to do a patent search?

These and other questions are just a few of the many decisions made while developing an invention. Some have simple answers. Others depend on the circumstance, budget, and other factors.