yea, so i've got an idea. even after reading patent sites, i'm still not sure whether this idea can be patented or not. can you guys recommend any patent lawyers. if so, can you provide their rates? i just want to know how much it would cost for me to go in, explain my idea and for them to say yes or no. if yes, then obviously i'll go ahead with the patent. thanks.
Patent lawyers specialize in certain areas; thus, you will need to find one in your area of interest.
Rates depend largely on the field and the complexity of your invention. It also depends a great deal on how much information you can provide the patent lawyer/agent. The more written disclosure and drawings you can provide up front, the easier it will be for the patent attorney to draft the application. Just keep in mind that obtaining a patent can take years and potentially tens thousands of dollars. This doesn't even include the costs of maintaining the patent and enforcing the patent against competitors. One good way to possibly avoid such costs is to ask for a prior art search to be done. This way you can avoid unnecessarily drafting a patent application. The prior art search also will likely strengthen your patent if it were to issue.
