Question
I understand that no idea is worth anything without great execution. I am only wondering whether to get a provisional patent now, so that I can somewhat safely go on to test the market. (if it proved successful I would get a utility before the year expiration.) Or to take the big upfront investment in getting a full patent now for full security. I ask this because I am worried of my product getting taken by the larger companies that I would be competing with, which I would maybe even one day want to do a licensing deal with. However I don't want to wait so long to get a full patent. I am certain my idea is genuine, and although biased since I am the inventor, that it could go on to be a big winner with the proper execution.
Answer
Regardless if you have a provisional or utility patent the most important thing is customers. The earlier you can sell to customers the more leverage you'll be to have to license your idea to a larger brand. As such, I would recommend you apply for your provisional patent and work smart to acquire customers and their feedback in the 12 months that you'll have.
