Most people do not realize that they can completely lose their patent rights by disclosing or commercializing their invention before filing a patent application. If you have made an offer to sell, a sale, or a public disclosure of your invention before filing a patent application, then your patent rights are in serious jeopardy and you may have already completely lost your patent rights. You should consult a patent attorney before undertaking any of those activities, and if you have already undertaken any of those activities, you should consult a patent attorney immediately.