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Hello everyone, First off, great forum and community here. I have learned so much from everyone here in regards to lure making, and I must say some of the creations that you guys have made are very inspiring. I know that this is probably a doozy of a first post, but i am really at a loss on how i can or should proceed with this. I have been making lures for personal use for about a year now, And although i still have much to learn i have come up with two new designs that have been very successful. One is similar in design to a relatively common type of lure (a lipless crankbait, along the lines of a rattletrap) but with a significantly different shape and obviously manufacturing process than what is on the market right now. (as best as i can determine thru internet searches no one is and/or was selling a lure of this type of shape and design) The other is of a very common style also, but it has the addition of something regularly used as an add on to a baits (like rattles or blades). Now again as far as i can tell thru internet searches no is and / or was ever selling a lure of this type with these modifications. Is there anyone on here that can provide me insight on to whether i should be looking to patent these design modifications? Is this a case of since i am just adding things that are normal parts of lure making into a total lure then they are not patentable? Same question with the lure that is a different shape but works in the same way that a rattletrap type lure works? I worry that if i start producing and marketing these and they catch on some big company will patent my design and cut me out of my own design. I appreciate anyone who may have gone thru this type of process and willing to provide some mentorship / direction. Thanks AceArcher