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An idea, without knowledge of how to make it work, is not patentable. You must be able to present an illustrated description of a specific useful product, which achieves the desired objective, in sufficient detail to enable others to make and use it.
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Even then, not every invention is patentable. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Web site at www.uspto.gov sets forth applicable requirements and procedures.
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A patent takes 1½ years or more to obtain, expires within 20 years and is not renewable. Total costs are typically $8,000 or more, about 50-50 government and attorney fees.
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Beware of invention promotion scams. Read the Federal Trade Commission's warnings on such scams at www.ftc.gov.
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U.S. patents have no effect elsewhere, but a U.S. patent can be used to block importation of infringing products from abroad. Foreign patents are harder and more costly to obtain.
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