[kqw]

I'll make this as short as I can...

I am going to assume that you are not a rookie in the business world. With that said:

If your idea has the potential for substantial dollars to be made you are going to entering into a very unscrupulous world. You will need all the lessons you've learned, intuition and knowledge to be able to benefit from your patent. You've got to be a shrewd SOB.

I recommend the following: Do your homework and get the proper documents to submit your patent. Homework will include a "Patent Search" which anyone can do with diligence.

Once you have determined that your product meets the requirements for submittal, do so as soon as you can. Time and dates are a trail for protection. However, Patents are time limited so be ready to move.

It's going to take time for the patent office to review and render a decision and correspond back to you on any issues related to your documentation.

I also suggest that you submit any and all variations of your idea that could be deemed patentable. I.E., say someone made slight changes to your idea thus opening up the door to piggy back your idea. You must be shrewd and try to catch ALL angles. I repeat ALL angles.

Once you have saturated yourself in frustration and patience is thinning, stay on track. You must get documents in your hand. This is a line of protection.

Once done, seek out an attorney that is knowledgeable in patents. They will no doubt be able to assist you in the next steps as to contacts in the business world and protect you from the language designed not to benefit you.

Get references on any and all business contacts. Get them yourself. Remember the name of the game is MONEY and this brings out a lot of questionable business practices.

Remember, once your idea is out IT"S OUT. If viable it'll attract all kinds of businesses... some not ethical...

Hope this helps...

Good luck