What's the best way to patent an idea/invention?

[Hamish Forbes]

Originally Posted by FrankTheTank2

you should look into either writing and filing the patent yourself . . . .

Frank, evidently you have never been through infringement litigation. This is very, very bad advice.

[aaauger]

Originally Posted by Hamish Forbes

Also, consider the following: If you walk into WalMart and see a product that infringes your patent, what are you going to do about it? Sue the rascals? Not a chance, unless you want to bankrupt yourself with legal fees.

This is exactly right. Unless you have the resources to enforce a patent, the only reason to obtain a patent is to discourage potential copycats. In reality, a business requires far more unique value than a patent would provide.