Have a great idea?

Then you might be wondering if the very first step is to get a patent — to lock down your idea before anyone else can copy it.

It sounds logical, right? Protect the idea first, then figure out the rest.

But here’s the hard truth: starting with a patent is a terrible idea.

In fact, it might be one of the most expensive mistakes inventors make.

Why Everyone Thinks They Need a Patent First

When you have a great idea, it feels like your baby.

You want to guard it, protect it, and make sure no one else steals it.

That instinct is natural — but it’s also what gets many new inventors in trouble.

Because here’s what almost no one tells you: patenting too early usually wastes time, money, and opportunity.

Your product is going to evolve. You’ll make design tweaks, adjust functions, change materials, even pivot your target audience.

It’s all part of the process.

And when your product changes — which it absolutely will — your original patent won’t match the versio...