Do you need a patent? -- Can you get a patent? -- Is your invention really new? -- How can filing a patent application protect your invention? -- How does the patent system work? -- What goes into a patent application? -- Losing the right to patent and other pitfalls to avoid -- Should you file a provisional patent application first? -- After the application is filed -- Working with a patent attorney -- What is it going to cost? -- Getting your idea across -- Developing your idea -- Having a plan to profit from your patent -- Infringement: what to know and what to do -- Alternative protections--trademark, copyright, trade secret -- Patenting software and apps -- Marketing your idea -- Utility patent example -- Design patent example