It’s a good idea to document your idea each step along the way.  More than just an inventors journal, this book will also help you take your idea to market.

You must however, file a regular patent application to ultimately get patent protection. If your PPA adequately discloses the invention and you file a regular application, with an amendment referencing the PPA, the PPA filing date serves as the date of your invention. Assuming your patent is granted, you’ll get 20-years of protection from the date of the regular filing.  In any case, you must file for a patent within 1-year of the invention’s use.   In the meantime, you won’t be able to stop other companies from using your idea until a patent is granted.  Until it is, its best to have anyone you show it to sign a confidentially agreement.

Properly protecting your idea can be a tricky endeavor.  You may want to consult an attorney or pick up a copy of Patent It Yourself, 13th Edition at your local library.