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Research, research, research!

The last thing you want to do is spend a great deal of time and money on an invention that simply isn't viable! Similarly, you don't want to apply for a patent for an invention that isn't new.

Look around at the competition and make sure your invention can compete with similar products already in the market. Searching patent databases, sales brochures and magazines will help and may tell you if your invention has already been tried by someone else.