I've looked into it as well. i learned it costs like $4-500 just to have a patent attorney look through the patent directory to determine if you are able to move forward. Then, depending on the type of patent, it will cost you anywhere from $1500-$5000 to obtain the patent. If you believe in your idea, I'd pay the $400 or so to have an attorney look through the directory. That directory might as well be written in german as far as I'm concerned. Best of luck!!
