You can contact the Patent Office.  In order to be grtaned a patent, I believe you have to \"reduce to practice\" meaning you have to build one and make it work.  There are costs associated with filing for a patent, typically, companies hire Patent Attorneys so bring money.  In today\'s world, if you really want it protected, you need patents in foreign countries as well and you need to plan to agressively prevent patent infrigement (back to Patent Attorney and bring money).You may also consider getting a trademark.  I do not know the details but I think it is less expensive, does not take as long, I don\'t know if you have to build one and make it work or not, but it does not provide as much \"intellectual property protection\" as a patent.  Third option, keep it a trade secret and capture the market before any competitors have a chance to get in.If there is a risk of injury to users of your invention, you should also consult an insurance company (once more to the bring money thing).Good luckReferences :