I would enever do that to a fellow nhs'er. if i do have the same idea we will have to talk. when i have my patent. lol

 

my next question is can you patent an idea if the building is still in the works. i am still trying to make it so i am wondering if you can patent an idea.

 

I've got a background close to what you are looking for ..can't give you legal advice, but you should look up the code.

§ 101. Inventions patentable
How Current is This?
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.

Depending on what your 'idea' is, it may or may not be patentable if it falls into one of the above categories.

Also, Invention is defined as conception followed by reduction to practice. An 'inventor' conceives a notion and then reduces it to practice (makes it usable/ builds a prototype, etc) and then they are ready to files a patent.

Is your idea a mechanical or electrical one? That makes a big difference with respect to whose counsel you should seek...

Rest of the statute is here:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/35..._II_20_10.html

 

one more thing: you can do some patent searches on google.com/patents

 

You can get a provisional patent (i.e. patent pending) for about $100 without having to do prior art searches. It protects you for 1 year before you have to file the actual patent. Look it up - you can probably do it yourself.

This is rah rah stuff, but look for 'provisional patent':
http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog...es-plus-video/