Creating a new product, a new machine or launching a business with its own distinct lines is a crapshoot. It's hard to tell what ideas will take off and sell and which ones won't. But the odds in an inventor or businessperson's favor can be greatly reduced if their products and/or ideas aren't protected. This is where the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office can make a real difference.



The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office specializes in helping inventors, scientists and businesspeople ensure their ideas cannot be stolen. Since this office generally deals with "intellectual property," or ideas or plans, it's easy to see how these things can be copied or stolen by someone else. If a patent or trademark is in place, however, the owner of the patent or trademark has legal recourse if their idea is taken and run with by another.

There are a number of reasons why someone would want to seek out this office for protection of their ideas. They do not include, however, copyrights. These are protections for written materials such as novels, poems, books, essays and more. Another government office handles this kind of protection.

Those seeking out the patent and trademark office do so for a number of reasons. Some of them and the ideas they seek to protect include:

* Machines. From lawn mowers to automobiles, patents are often necessary here to protect a designer from theft.

* Products. Have an idea for a new toy? A device to make opening jars easier. A better mousetrap? These items are subject to theft in the intellectual realm if they're not protected.

* Drawings and processes. Have a mapped out way to create a new machine or product or way of doing something? If you haven't had the capital to test it, but have the drawings ready, they can still sometimes be protected.

* Plants. Have you discovered a way to create a new flower? Your idea may be one that can be protected.

* A brand name or company name. Want to make sure no one can use your name without your permission? If so, a trademark is a good idea. This is different from a patent, but it provides similar protections.

Getting a patent or trademark can be a tedious process. Lots of documentation and information will be needed to ensure the product, idea or name you're trying to protect truly belongs to you. The hassle is well worth the effort, however, to ensure no one can take your idea and profit from it.

For those who don't want to navigate the governmental system to get a patent or trademark, there are lawyers who specialize in dealing with this U.S. office. They can make the entire process go much more smoothly.

Whether you choose to get a lawyer or handle the process yourself, getting a patent or trademark is a very good idea. It protects you and your ideas from theft and protects your investment in your future. While there's no guarantee your idea will make a million, considering the products that have (smiley faces, pet rocks, silly putty) it's anyone's guess. Protection is key and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office can help.