> By all means patent the device if you can meet the criteria and cough up
> the 3 to 5 grand for the local pat. attorney.It's not that difficult and
> the patent makes a good marketing tool.But do not believe for a second
> that the patent will protect you from infringement no_way. The trick is
> to be the firstest with the mostest.Ride for all she's worth.And then if
> you've established a name you may draggle on despite the inevitable
> competition (stolen or not).Or take what you got and run like hell.
>  Do'nt give it to the lawyers.

The issue isn't lawyers it is objectives. If the objective is to get a
patent then talk to a lawyer. If the objective is to make money from an
idea then budget your personal resources to best achieve that objective.
Patent's may be part of the plan. The rariest resource most people have is
their time. When you hire a lawyer to file a patent it is your stated
objective to get a patent. It may be your wish to exploit an idea but
it more likely that you will achieve your objective not your wish.

Walter Banks