The foremost is to make sure you have an invention that is unique and new that really qualifies for any patent. If you have already an item which is analogous, then filling to get a patent would be a waste of time. To save yourself time, look at the data base on the USPTO website and see if your idea has been thought about before and is already legally covered. If it has not been covered yet, then proceed with your invention.
When making your invention, don't forget to take notes and work from drawings. It's always best to do the drawings yourself. Should you outsource your idea to some low cost draftsman, you will need to prove the idea was yours if this type of draftsman beat you to definitely the filing application for that invention.
Your invention can be an improvement on a preexisting product which has commercial value. It is really an important concept to remember. If the invention won't benefit the public, a patent will not be awarded.
When submitting the patent, you will find services that can assist you to get a price. You are able to hire a lawyer which nearly always are more expensive, or you can diy. The benefit of creating a lawyer is the procedure after the application is submitted. Nearly all are rejected through the USPTO upon their first submission and will need alterations in the application for that submission to be reviewed again. Lawyers focus on this area and may help speed up this area of the process.
Just remember, obtaining a patent just isn't necessarily easy just because there is a great invention, politics are involved since the Government is involved.