In addition to the initial cost of the filing for trademark or patent, there are (usually) annual fees associated with the protection in order for you to maintain the patent or trademark. You will need to maintain your protection during the time that you either sell or license the idea, or market it yourself, and start bringing in cash — which is the hopeful outcome.

Last, you may need to register (file) for protection in other countries.

The guy who invented the Dyson vacuum cleaner — with the “new technology” … every time he turned around, he had yet another “little piece” that needed patent protection (in several countries). It took him, literally, YEARS before the final product was ready for market — and he said he very nearly went totally broke just trying to borrow the money to keep all of the patent registrations current! Of course, he’s doing very well now … but many, many, many patents and trademarks go inactive.

The only suggestion I can offer is try to get others (adults who have money) interested in your idea, such that they can “invest” in you. You will want to have them sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement to protect the idea — and at some point you will likely need advice from an IP attorney … even the “investing” part has laws and regulations that must be followed.

Many community colleges and Adult Education programs offer “Invention Courses” where all the various types of protections, along with the pros and cons of each are discussed, and many, many resources are made available. These courses run about $50 or so, and anyone can attend.

Do stay away from the “Make Money From Your Invention” programs that you may see advertised on the web or TV. They will take your money … and that’s about it.

One last suggestion … if you haven’t done so already, learn how to “talk about your idea” to another person in a way that explains the idea, but doesn’t “give away” the invention.

That may sound, at first, IMPOSSIBLE ! to you … but with practice, you can do it. For example, with the Dyson vacuum cleaner … he could tell someone (a potential investor) that he has invented a vacuum cleaner that will revolutionize how all vacuum cleaners in the future will be made … he could talk about the “problems” that all (existing) vacuum cleaners have — and that he has created a vacuum that solves all of those problems… etc. In other words, he could tell an potential investor a tremendous amount of information, without revealing a single thing about what he had, or how he was going to do it.

With some practice, you can do the same thing. This will help you, big-time, when you want to talk to someone about investing in your idea. The more you can “talk about your idea”… and communicate “what you need”, the more likely you are to “stumble upon” someone who can help you. For example, your parents, or friends of your parents, etc., may know a patent attorney (or IP attorney) — who just might be willing to “take you under his/her wing” and offer professional advice to you at no-charge (or as part of “investing in you”).

Good luck — and don’t give up!