Reply #3: Absolutely not...

[TreasonousBastard]

unless you find out that people actually got their "inventions" produced and made money off of them.

In fact, don't even bother with a patent. Even if you do manage to get a real patent, it will cost a few grand for the process, including the patent lawyer. Then, aomeone will steal it anyway, and you have no money to fight it. Or you will lose because they'll make enough changes to avoid violating your patent. Or, you may even find out it's patented already, or something like it.

Make a working prototype and try to sell it. See if anyone is willing to back the costs of production and/or marketing without stealing the whole idea. It's not easy, but a lot depends on the complexity of producing the product. Is it wood, metal, plastic? A combination, or the materials don't make much difference? Is assembly complex? There are thousands of small businesses like machine shops that actually do make stuff all over the country.

A long shot is the TV shopping channels-- if they think it will sell enough they'll give you a spot, and you're guaranteed sales up the gazoo.

Always remember that it's not the idea or the product, but who gets to market with it first and builds brand identity. A patent won't protect you nearly as much as a good marketing campaign. Put whatever money and energy you have into quality production and marketing.

A trademark, though, is probably a good idea. They WILL try to steal the idea, but don't EVER let them steal the name.