How do I get a patent?

How old do you have to be to get a business license/patent?

• I invented a toy a few months ago, and I've been paying my friends (9/hr.. I made it up.. but minimum wage here is about 7.30 or somethin) to make them for me, and my sisters sell them door to door with 2 free cookies per purchase (for the customers of course). I started off making them myself for my little brother and cousins, and then at a birthday party everyone was asking me where to get one, so I started making and selling them on request.. I just recently started door to door a few weeks ago which has been so much better, but I don't plan on continuing of course. People are asking for the website, and where to get them, etc. and I've saved up a little over $3000 already! It may not be that much though? Is it? I mean I've been doing this for about 2 months.. I don't know, I never really earned money myself actually working. But then again, I'm not even doing anything, I'm just collecting the money. And I know if I'm getting ripped off or something because I only send a certain amount for them to sale. My mom didn't know I was doing this though and she said its illegal or something and I should get a patent/business license or I can get in trouble.. I don't know anything about that, but I do want to sell them online considering how well I'm doing just door to door and requests. Any advice?? I'm 16 by the way.. Well in February I'll be 16.. What all do I need to do? I was thinking about getting a actual job though when I turned 16 to save up more money.

• Answer:

  First of all, Congratulations! You need not be any age to hold a biz license or a patent. (yes, even an infant can hold them.) While I would encourage you to grow your business so youdon't have to get a job, if you do end up deciding to, Subway, Pizza places and other restaurants are always good ideas. You can easily use your computer, language and device (ipad, smartphone, PSP, Wii) knowledge to make money. Those of us who are older need your help! Whenever I need help with a new phone or an app, I go to my friend's kids. When someone asks me, I say, find yourself a teenager, they will help you faster than I can and they will know more! I started umpiring and refereeing when I was 11 and made much better money than my friends. Also, Put an add on craigslist or local Churches, offering to help seniors clean up their garage, attic or basement for free. In the ad, let them know you are a teen looking to raise money and that you'd be happy help them sell any unwanted valuables on eBay or Craigslist for a split of the monies. Sometimes, they have very valuable things they don't want. You will learn quite a bit when researching the price and you can make some pretty good money. If you really want to make money, check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8KlzDa62B0 84% of the teens who do that, end up owning a business by the time they graduate. Why work in a restaurant (or other business) when you can own it! You can hire your friends (and even your relatives and parents) and create jobs! If you want more information, you can always go to www.GlobalCEOspace.com