Inventors often believe no one else has ever thought of their discovery, so they expect to make a fortune - small or great - by bringing it to commercial markets. The protective thought, "Ah-ha! I must patent this," automatically takes control, and the rush to file a patent and get to market is on -- often a mistake.
The inventor MUST become as informed as possible in order to avoid the potholes, pits, and even "land mines" on the road ahead, including:
- Being so paranoid that no forward progress is made
- Failure to comprehend your own limitations and the costs and commitment required
- Wasting time and money on something that has been done or has no economic value
- Failing to properly protect that which has substantial value
- Mistakes in timing of applications, filings and payments
- Failure to consider markets and actions outside the U.S.
- Dealing with frauds and cheats who prey on the gullible and uninformed
- Relying on the government to defend your patented rights against imitators
- Penalties if you are sued for infringing on the rights that others have already secured
The following information is only a primer, not legal advice. The inventor is advised to question exhaustively, browse the Internet (search on the keywords "intellectual property" and "invention"), and read extensively. Follow directions for the easy do-it-yourself actions, and seek qualified professional counsel for authoritative answers and services.