Dear Abby I am ready for the welding shop to make the first prototype and I don't know if I should go for full patent or patent pending first or can I enter into agreement with the shop as non discloser.I kinda realy don't care about the product as long as I get mine made right and they work but there might be a market for them. Sleepless in Seattle

hmmmmm , really ? can't make it yourself..?

The ONLY thing I can't do myself

ppending

Go to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website and read about the provisional application for patent. The full patent application takes a lot of time and money. The provisional application gives you some protection at low cost. In the meantime, if you show anyone the details have them sign a nondisclosure agreement. A patent lawyer can prepare one at low cost. Good luck and we want to see the test results here first!

By the way, what is it?