Hey guys, one for the legal buffs,

Just a general question concerning patents, etc. - my friend and I have come up with an idea for a new invention that we think would make an absolute killing if produced and marketed effectively. I mean, seriously - everyone I know, at the very least, would want one and it'd be cheap as chips. We can't believe that it doesn't exist in a commercial form yet.

All I'm asking is how we should go about taking the idea from our heads and making it reality. And preferably in the most feasible manner possible (two students don't have oodles of money to be spending on such things). Doesn't have to be Australia-specific, either. Just in general.

Thanks in advance.

Well you'd have to find someone willing to make a copy and then have it patented I think.

Actually to get it patented all you have to do is flesh out the idea on paper and submit it to the patent office. Frankly they don't care if you ever build it or if it even works. The only thing they care about is that the idea is unique and not stealing from another previously obtained patent.

As for how to proceed I would suggest after obtaining a patent or even while it is being processed you work on a prototype. Then once you have to patent you could search for a manufacturer to build and distribute you invention. The key part is you have to have the patent first because if you don't they can very easily and legally take your idea and run with it with out ever having to pay you for it.

Just in case, make a poor man's copyright.

Basically, outline the idea as thoroughly as you can, put it in an envelope, and mail it to yourself.

THEN, go to a patent office and get it patented.

Cheers guys. Do patents cost anything (where you're from, obviously?)

I don't beleive so.

My friend set on in for or "hover board", but that was way out there.