Have no time to bring your invention to life? Sell it to someone who will. A variety of online and offline patent auctions will help you sell your patented idea (rather than the actual manufactured product) at a profit. By participating in patent auctions, you can earn a royalty or one-time fee for your patented idea, develop a reputation as an innovator, and see your creation transformed into reality.

Online sites such as Free Patent Auction, IP Market Holdings, Idea Trade Network, Shop4Patents.com, and ipAuctions generally let you post information about your patent, describe its potential use, set a price or ask for bids, and set an expiration date for an open auction.

Remember that a U.S. patent does not protect your invention outside the borders. You must patent your invention in other countries to maintain control.