Discussion:
What is the name of your state? Ohio
I have an idea for a product that I'd like to patent, but before I begin that process, I have a couple questions that I need answered. Do I need a working prototype of my invention in order to obtain the patent? If I do (this is an invention that should be fairly easy to produce, but I lack the technical know-how myself and would have to seek help in developing the prototype), how do I protect my idea once I approach somebody about assisting me in it's development?
Answer:
As long as you can describe your invention in a detailed enough manner so that someone "skilled in the art" could practice your invention, you do not need to have a working prototype to file for a patent. "Enablement" can be shown through either actual reduction to practice, that is, a working prototype, or constructive reduction to practice, which is the "enabling disclosure," or simply the detailed description that allows one to practice the invention.
Answer:
Why are you filing a provisional patent?