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Do I need to patent an idea even though I don't have a prototype yet? I don't want to give my idea to anyone while I get designs and prototypes made.
Optional Information: State/Country relating to question: Indiana
Hi - my name is XXXXX XXXXX X'm an Intellectual Property litigation attorney here to assist you.
Unfortunately, there is no effective way to protect an idea or a concept. Patents only protects inventions - not ideas.
In order to get a patent, you will need to proceed to develop your idea to the point where it is a concrete invention - which can be patented.
Experience: BV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyer rating by West
Well, that's disapointing. Thanks for your help.
It doesn't meant that you can't get a patent; you just have to get to the point of having a tangible invention. Here's a good link that you can read: http://www.uspto.gov/inventors/patents.jsp