Does anyone have advice for obtaining and safe and honest patent?

I have a good idea, but not a lot of money. I don't expect my idea will make me rich but certainly will help pet owners keep their animals more healthy. I have contacted a few patent companies and they want you to write down your idea, mail it to them a few thousand miles away, and kiss it goodbye. Does anyone have experience with this, know how to do it the right way, and any idea how much it will cost?Does anyone have advice for obtaining and safe and honest patent?
NOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what the USPTO (United States Patent %26amp; Trademark Office) has to say about patents.





Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.





Research, research, research 鈥?this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:





Getting a Patent:


* Patent It Yourself (11th Edition) by David Pressman


* Patents and How to Get One : A Practical Handbook by U.S. Department of Commerce


* How To Make Patent Drawings Yourself: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Jack Lo


* The Inventor's Notebook: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Fred E. Grissom





There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.





Hope that helps! I wish you much success %26amp; happiness in all your ventures!Does anyone have advice for obtaining and safe and honest patent?
To make it safe, place all of your paperwork including pictures etc. in a brown envelope and mail it to yourself by Registered mail. That will predate your information and give you proof that the invention is yours. Then visit a patent Attorney. That is all you can do to protect yourself. Always get everything in writing and make two copies of every piece of paper that comes into your hands. You will see the wisdom of that in time.


Jaread
chk out patents online--usually locally--call a college--business offices