I am looking at a great idea that I have been working on, but I am afraid to release it because I know it will be cloned in a matter of months since I can not afford worldwide patent protection.
Without much more data I'd say:
1. I once thought the same of an idea I had. When I finally launched it failed. So no one cared to clone it!
2. I have another idea I now think has merit. I've proven some traction with users. Enough that filing a provisional patent makes sense for about $2k. Might want to try this path too.
This is not my first time down the primrose path. I already have a few patents in my basket. I been tempted to try filing it myself masochist that I am.