[Robert Adams]

In this time of one pay check doesn't cut it anymore. I've come up with some interesting ideas over the years as I'm sure many on this board have and like many thousands before us, just went about doing what I do and never followed through with any of them. A couple years ago I finally put my money where my idea was and hired a patent attorney to do a search. Think that ran $5k. In total he was forecasting around $20k by the time I 'might' get my patent. Although my initial search came back positive, I just couldn't quite go and bet the farm on going through with the rest of it. My observation is one of the biggest issues to me was by the time you get through the process with an attorney you've pretty much spent a couple of valuable marketing years and any money you had to develop the product is gone and then some. There has to be a better way! I've searched the INTERNET and there is some info out there on doing some of the work DIY, but I'm more the creative type and not someone who normally has the staying power to read through endless searches. On the other hand, if that is what it takes, then I guess I'll hang in there and try it. Just wondering if there are any others out there that have done the patent process on their own (NON ATTORNEYS) with any success and wouldn't mine lending some guidance or suggestions; any would be gratefully received!
Thanks!