Hi all, I have a question that I wanted to ask.. I have an idea that I want to sell to a company but I don't know the necessary steps.. I was thinking that I will have to get the idea patent first and then present it to companies.. But, I was also thinking could a patent protect you fully? Can someone make a product similar to mines but make it totally different and then claim it..? The idea that I have is a car part that goes on the engine but every engine isn't the same shape, so how would that work? Would that patent be only good for one car or all cars? I'm pretty sure its a way to sell my idea to a company without getting it patent, isn't it? I don't have the money for the process right now and sometimes it's hard (not impossible) to find a investor.. Any suggestions?

If you have an unpatented invention then definitely do not disclose it. Your very first step is to make a prototype. In the making of a prototype you will discover how the patent should be formed. Do not patent it yourself as the patenting process can be a minefield. Go to a patent attorney who is an engineering specialist in the field of your invention. Phone around for someone or go to your local inventor's association for advice on who is most suitable.

Anyone can read your patent, find ways to improve it, patent it and then sell it ahead of yours so EVERYTHING must be very carefully examined prior to patenting.

I know some people who search patents, find flaws, re-patent, then go to the patent owner and discuss terms. They make a lot of money at times from this so your product must be very carefully examined.

Given your lack of experience, your best move might be to go to your local inventors association.

Also, patents make serious money for some, but you will get a big surprise to find out that it is an extremely long path to riches.

Patents get stolen too, so you need money to protect them.

A good example is the man (who recently died) who invented the timed windscreen wiper. Ford, Benz, GM and many others stole his invention and refused to pay him. He battled car companies for many years in courts and only recently got his first payment, some 30 years later. His son carries on the fight.

Join your local inventors association and they will clue you up in a big way.

Thanks for the reply.. How can i Find a local inventors association ?