Q: I have a idea for a fishing accessory idea that I'd like to make.

A: Did you search for other fishing accessories that use the same concept even if the item is not identical? To be awarded a patent, one must pass through several filters. While being new is a filter, the harder one is being non-obvious. The latter test asks whether someone with access to all relevant information since the beginning of recorded history and who is trained to design accessories like yours would be able to combine bits from two or more places to get to your design.

Time to talk to a patent attorney. Possibly time to search patent and patent application data bases to see if someone had this idea but was not able to follow up and commercialize the idea. This happens all the time.

A: You should contact a qualified patent attorney directly (this is just an anonymous question forum), and they can help you conduct a search and review of the relevant prior art. Even if you don't see the product in the marketplace, there is often relevant prior art in the form of earlier patents or other publications, and a professional search will usually uncover these. Based on these search results, the patent attorney will be able to give you an idea of what aspects of your invention are likely patentable in view of what is already out there.

A: If you believe your idea is unique and has not been previously disclosed or patented, the next step could be to document your invention thoroughly, including potential designs, uses, and benefits. It might be advisable to consult with a patent attorney to explore whether patent protection would be appropriate and to guide you through the process of filing a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). To maintain the novelty of your invention, consider keeping details of your invention confidential until a patent application is filed.