If you are tempted to hire an Invention Submission Company because they offer lower prices for what seems like the same service, please read Top10scams, published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, warning that the number of people being taken advantage of by invention submission companies is increasing daily. Also see my section on WHY AN ATTORNEY IS NECESSARY . The growing number of sham services stems from the fact that the average person doesn't understand what is required to fully protect his or her intellectual property and what is at stake if proper protection is not obtained.