Do you have an invention that has been burrowing away in your mind for years? Do you think it could make you real money, but you lack the financial ability to do anything about it at the moment? If you do, you might want to consider applying for a patent.
Whilst it can seem quite expensive to buy a patent for something that is currently only an idea, it can be well worth it in the long run. For every invention, from vacuum cleaners to mobile ringtones, there has always been somebody left kicking themselves because they had thought of it first but were usurped by a company that is now making millions.
Patents are awarded by the government and give an inventor the right to stop others using, selling or manufacturing their idea without permission. This lasts for a limited amount of time, depending on how much is paid. Patents are often described as granting intellectual property meaning that they can be bought, sold or rented to others.
A patent gives you the right to stop others from making your invention, but it does not give you rights above anyone else to have your invention made. Once you have one, you will need to start thinking about ways to...