Book excerpt: Full coverage of the ins and outs of inventing for profit Protect your idea, develop a product - and start your business! Did you have a great idea? Did you do anything about it? Did someone else? Inventing For Dummies is the smart and easy way to turn your big idea into big money. This non-intimidating guide covers every aspect of the invention process - from developing your idea, to patenting it, to building a prototype, to starting your own business. The Dummies Way * Explanations in plain English * "Get in, get out" information * Icons and other navigational aids * Tear-out cheat sheet * Top ten lists * A dash of humor and fun Discover how to: * Conduct a patent search * Maintain your intellectual property rights * Build a prototype product * Determine production costs * Develop a unique brand * License your product to another company