I'd recommend looking for an Business Accelerator/Incubator/Hub. Local to you would be best, but failing that one that works with companies in the same space as your idea. They can provide excellent advice/mentorship/connections.
Don't worry about a patent. They are expensive, time consuming, and unlikely to give you real protection against the "big guys".
The most important things for you to do are to build the prototype and get real world data that supports your product and revenue model.
Edited to add: Your product idea most likely cannot be adequately protected by a patent. Either because it is not novel (in the legal sense), or because you wouldn't be able to get broad enough claims to prevent competitors from working around your IP.
My fear (of course) is that I could put lots of work into making this thing and then as soon as I start selling it publicly, somebody (somebody with more business/supply chain experience) can just figure out how to make/sell it for much cheaper. I am not a very skilled business person; I am good at making things. I don't want to make this as cheaply as possible. I want to make it in the USA, with minimal, biodegradable packaging. Is there no protection for a small player? How, then, could somebody make money from a product? I will look for a local business incubator, I suppose they would have more details. I'm in NJ near NYC, BTW.
Patent agent here (insert disclaimers). In general patent costs will depend on how many countries you file in, how well written and claimed the application is, how straightforward and easy (or hard) examination and prosecution is, how well you (or counsel) meets deadlines, and how long you maintain any granted patent(s). But it will likely cost you at least a few thousand overall even if you file only in the US (assuming you are in the US).
Feel free to PM me if you want more detailed advice - but most importantly:
1. do a really good search for all the information and devices already known (aka “prior art”). Similar devices inly need to be described, not necessarily for sale or produced;
2. Be very careful to define what makes your invention unique versus closest prior art;
3. Be very careful with whom snd how you share any information about your invention. You could inadvertently make it public and then start a filing clock against yourself. Even publicly using a prototype in public might create a public disclosure that will come back and bite you later.
Thanks for this informed perspective. I do not mind spending a few thousand dollars if it would provide a bit of protection. I'll send you a message.
I appreciate all the advice!
Your intuition is correct, there is no protection business-wise for an inventor of a product. You can patent and then sell your invention to someone who has the resources to turn it into a business, or you can try your hand at building a business yourself.
Buy no, unfortunately inventing something doesn't legally entitled you to be the one who develops a profitable business as a result of inventing it.
That's why the laws favour big business because patent laws aren't designed to protect your business interests, just your intellectual property. And big business will always have advantage on the business front since IP laws don't protect you at all on the business front.
There is no way to protect yourself from competition, the only thing you can do is develop the best business strategies for your product, so if you aren't strong on business skills, then you either need to learn quickly, or partner with someone/another business who does such as an incubator, or just sell your IP.
I know a number of brilliant inventors who've never made any money, and a lot of savvy business people who've made plenty without ever having a single original idea.
Inventing things doesn't make anyone rich, it's figuring out how to capitalize on inventions that makes people rich.
