If you are working on something unique and believe you can commercialise it to your benefit, you can take out a patent which is a right for you to develop the product without allowing others a chance to run with your idea. Essentially, it allows you to seek exclusive ownership of your idea.
For example…
If you were to develop a prototype for an in-sink dishwasher that would immediately rinse and clean the dish as you drop it in, you could probably apply for a patent. I say “probably” because there are some models of these around and you need to think of a way to make it unique and develop something that will challenge anyone who says “dishes don’t wash themselves you know!”
