[ssl-3]

One cannot (or at least, one is not supposed to be able to) patent someone else's invention.

[privatelypublic]

You theoretically have a year before you even have to apply- but patents are expressly "first to file."

[oasisaimlessly]

Public use of an idea still prevents someone else from patenting it.

[privatelypublic]

Sounds like You're conflating sale of a product prior to filing with "prior art"