Many ideas that have no market or profit potential are patentable. Unscrupulous invention promotion firms often apply for patents that provide such limited legal protection that it is easy for competitors to find ways to design around the patent. In many cases, these firms will charge you several thousand dollars to prepare the wrong type of patent application for your idea, or to apply for a patent for your idea that provides so little protection that it's worthless. Find out what kind of patent protection is right for your idea. For example, if the novelty of your idea lies in its function and not its appearance, a design patent alone won't provide enough legal protection.
Reputable firms rely on screening ideas carefully.
They make money from royalties they collect once they have licensed their client's invention successfully.