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[jtmullet]

Hellow all I am 17 years old and I am a guitar builder and I have invented a tool that makes a aspect of guitar building way way easier I feel my invention has major potential to make me alot of money but I have no idea how to get a patent i know I will most likely not be able to do the proper jumping through the hoops myself so I assume I will need a patent attorney I have read it costs 2000-3000 dollars to get a patent but being 17 I dont have that much money so what should I do? Now there are billions and billions of patents out there for everything from chicken goggles to a combination mouse trap and apple pealer so surely theres a cheaper easier way to get pattents otherwise only the rich would have them.

[JimIvey]

Generally, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's always time to change the path you're on.  Sorry, couldn't help quoting Led Zeppelin there.....

One path is to do it yourself.  The most famous book on the topic that I'm aware of is David Pressman's "Patent It Yourself".  Be prepared for the hardest writing assignment you've seen yet.  If it were easy, there's no way we could charge what we do for our work.

The other path is to convince investors to fund your venture -- the venture being somehow making money from your idea.  That can include licensing a patent or making and selling your tool -- or both.  Investors can be friends and family (informal acquaintences) or wealthy individuals (i.e., "angels").  There are more types, but only those two types would even consider a small investment with such high risk.  "Small" means less than about $10million.  "High risk" means you're not yet making any money.

Not many people fully appreciate that a patent is a business tool -- not unlike factory tooling that would be required to make your tool in bulk.  Accordingly, they require skill to put together properly and are not cheap.

Regards.