Whats the next step?

Hey guys, hows it been?

I had a question in regards to inventions. After drafting an idea on CAD, what are the next steps. Do i need to patent the concept before i start fabricating parts?

For example if im submitting drawings to a machine shop/machinist for fab work should the idea be protected legally? or is that more for mass production?

has anyone been throught the invention process solo? what legal step did you take, if there where any?

any good resources out there on this stuff?

A good source of information:

http://www.uspto.gov/#

You could pick up a copy of the book Patent It Yourself, 13th edition, written by patent attorney David Pressman. It covers such topics as how to: conduct patent searches, file patent applications and protect your inventions.

Do i need to patent the concept before i start fabricating parts?

No, obtaining a patent is an economic trade-off question. Most patents were a waste of money to obtain.

You might need to make reasonable assurance that you are not violating someone else's patent. Unless mass produced, probably not a big concern.

... anyone been throught the invention process solo?

All but impossible to do. Especially the first time through. Maybe after going through the process with an attorney a dozen or so times you would have a pretty good feel for the process.

But do make the effort to learn all you can in advance. By learning as much as possible you will be able to give more and better help to the attorney and therefore reduce billable hours spent on the process and have a stronger patent in the end.

In the end, keep in mind that most patents are a loss - very few make any money. Some people have the impression that a patent is like a huge bar of gold. Garenteed Riches.

Some self-help books are full of incorrect information. Find several sources.

thanx for all the input guys. Ill continue doing some homework on this topic to determine how far i really need to go with the legal "stuff"

Please share anything you come across. It might be of use to others at this forum. Thank you.