How do I approach and protect myself from big companies?

youngblood

I have an idea for a feature on a smartphones or cell phones.  I do not know how to approach or protect myself from big companies.  I don`t know if I can create a patent on the idea or not. I simply want to explain the feature, find interest and collect royalties.
I don’t know how much it is worth to companies, and once I show them what how do I stop them from using the idea? Or say they were already working on it?
I also don’t have a ton of money to hire attorney’s/get patents, is their a company I can trust to partner with to run this up the flag pole with?
 

patentandtrademark

you will need a patent application filed first based on my experience.

youngblood

James, what would you charge me to get something like that going? And would you tell someone that you think its a good idea? And from your experince could you judge how much money it could benefit in royalties?
youngblood2/10/2009 3:12 PM

MattThomas

I think you can file for a provisional patent for less that $200. This gives you the protection where your idea can`t be stolen. Once you find a big company who will take on the idea, they will pay for a full patent and pay you the royalties.

patentandtrademark

I have never seen a "big company" pay for the patent application of a non-employee.  I admit it COULD happen - it just won`t.