[jimmydddd]

Re: Maybe $6k all in to FILE. But additional fees are needed when the patent issues, and to later maintain the patent. Also, often to negotiate with the patent office during the examination process.

Re: Provisional-- But be careful. For example, a Design patent application cannot claim priority to a provisional patent application. So the article's advice regarding filing a provisional patent application would not apply to design patent applications.

[molsonhart]

That was $6k including office action.

You're right about the design patents. Thanks for the correction.

[jimmydddd]

It appears form your edisonlf.com site that your skill set is predominantly around trademarks and copyrights, and not patents. Maybe focus your advice on those topics, and not so much patents? For fighting direct copycats, those (and maybe design patents) are your best bets anyway, as you apparently have successfully discovered.

[jimmydddd]

NP. Yes, patenting costs for simple structures such as your BF product are on the low end of the spectrum, as compared to other product types.

Have you recieved any allowed patents for this product? I only see patent pending listed at your site. The process can sometimes take several iterations (office actions) and fees at the time of allowance are also needed.