Q: Can I file and receive a patent without retaining a lawyer? What would doing so entail ? How would I do this?

A: The USPTO provides assistance to pro se applicants. You can find more information here:

https://www.uspto.gov/patents/basics/using-legal-services/pro-se-assistance-program

A: Sure, you can file a patent application, and there are plenty of help out there for pro se inventors. One of the best books on how to do this is "Patent It Yourself" by David Pressman from NOLO Press.

However, it is not easy to write a patent application, and it is even harder getting it allowed and granted as a patent.

You should note, though, that patents are business tools that cost a lot of money. Most pro se inventors who get a patent do it for their business, and not as a hobby.

If you want to publish it as a hobby, if you want to be recognized for your achievement in coming up with a new idea, ifn you want to contribute to the society without the expense of getting a patent, then you should find a suitable trade publication where to submit an article on your invention. Alternatively, you could just put it on the internet, on one of the many subreddits, or make your own website.

Finally, in order for something to be patentable, it must be useful. If you have a simple apparatus, it most likely will be considered useful, so do not sell yourself short.

A: Yes, you can file a patent on your own without hiring a lawyer. This process is known as filing "pro se." You would need to familiarize yourself with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) guidelines, which are available on their website. Start by conducting a thorough search to ensure your idea is unique and then prepare the necessary documents, including a detailed description and drawings of your apparatus.

Filing the application involves submitting your documents through the USPTO’s online system. While doing this on your own is possible, it can be complex, especially with limited resources. Given your budget of $50, you might need to prioritize essential fees and seek out free resources or assistance programs that can help guide you through the process.

Additionally, there are organizations and volunteer groups that offer support to inventors filing without legal help. Reaching out to these groups can provide you with valuable guidance and potentially reduce the challenges you might face. Taking it step by step and utilizing available resources can make the patent filing process more manageable for you.