I have an idea and donot want to go through the expense of the patent process. Is there a way?

Answer 1

It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea.

Without knowing details, it's not possible to tell you what to do next. However, if you know the 3 basic definitions of intellectual property, it'll be easier for you to make a decision:

To protect an original invention OR a significant improvement to an existing product, a patent would be filed. Here's the USPTO's definition: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#patent

Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. This includes, of course, poetry, films, sculptures, music, fiction, etc. But can also include things that may not necessarily seem "artistic" in the general sense of the word. Copyrights can also be obtained for advertising copy, games, software programs and blueprints, to name just a few.

Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and smells. In essence, a trademark can be almost anything that is used to identify a particular product or service. Registering a trademark grants the owner exclusive rights to the mark within the specified industry.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

If it's not worth the price to patent then you might as well not bother. Also, without a patent (if I remember correctly) anyone can steal and make money off of your idea without consequence.

Answer 3

Ideas are copyrighted, NOT patented. Two different things.

Ideas are Intellectual Property (i.e., a novel and are Copyrighted.)

Did you develop something, that has moving parts, etc.?
Think about what you have and want to do with it. Did you design a new-fangled electric bicycle?