The time it takes for a patent application to be granted can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the jurisdiction, the complexity of the invention, the quality of the application, and the workload of the patent office.

In general, the process from patent application filing to grant can take anywhere from several months to several years. In some cases, it may take even longer, particularly if there are complications with the application or if there is a backlog of applications at the patent office.

For example, in the United States, the average time from filing to patent grant is about 24 months, although this can vary depending on the technology and other factors. In some other countries, such as Japan, the process can be much faster, with patents often being granted within 12 months of filing.

It's important to note that the patent application process can be complex and can involve a lot of back-and-forth between the applicant and the patent office, so it's important to work with a qualified patent attorney or agent to help navigate the process and ensure the best possible outcome.

The cost of obtaining a patent for an idea can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the invention, the type of patent application being filed, the country or region in which the application is filed, and whether you choose to work with a patent attorney or agent.

In the United States, for example, the cost of obtaining a patent can range from a few thousand dollars for a simple application to tens of thousands of dollars for a more complex application. Some of the costs associated with obtaining a patent in the US include government filing fees, patent search fees, attorney or agent fees, and maintenance fees.

Patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret are all forms of intellectual property protection, but they protect different types of creative works and provide different legal protections. Here are the main differences between these types of intellectual property protection:

1. Patent: A patent is a form of protection for inventions or discoveries. It gives the patent holder the exclusive right to make, use, and sell the invention for a limited period of time, usually 20 years from the date of application. The patent holder can prevent others from making, using, or selling the invention without their permission.

2. Trademark: A trademark is a form of protection for a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services of one party from those of another. Trademark protection prevents others from using a similar mark that could confuse consumers and dilute the distinctiveness of the original mark. Trademarks can be registered with the government, but common law rights can also be established through use in commerce.

3. Copyright: A copyright is a form of protection for original works of authorship, such as books, music, art, and software. Copyright protection gives the copyright owner the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and create derivative works from the original work. The copyright lasts for the life of the author plus a certain number of years after their death, typically 70 years.

4. Trade Secret: A trade secret is a form of protection for confidential and valuable business information, such as formulas, designs, processes, and customer lists. Trade secrets can be protected indefinitely as long as they remain secret and are not disclosed to others. Unlike patents, trademarks, and copyrights, trade secrets do not require registration with the government, and protection is based on the company's efforts to keep the information confidential.

In summary, patents protect inventions, trademarks protect brand names and logos, copyrights protect creative works, and trade secrets protect valuable confidential information.

The process of obtaining a patent for an invention typically involves the following steps with the assistance of a patent attorney:

1. Invention Disclosure: The first step is for the inventor to describe the invention in detail to the patent attorney. This description should include all aspects of the invention that make it novel and non-obvious, as well as any drawings, diagrams, or prototypes.

2. Patentability Search: The patent attorney will conduct a patentability search to determine if the invention is new and non-obvious. This involves searching existing patents, publications, and other public documents to determine if similar inventions already exist.

3. Patent Application Drafting: If the invention appears to be new and non-obvious, the patent attorney will draft a patent application. This document includes a detailed description of the invention, any relevant drawings or diagrams, and claims that define the scope of the invention.

4. Filing the Application: Once the patent application is complete, the patent attorney will file it with the appropriate government agency, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The application must include all necessary forms and fees.

5. Patent Examiner Review: After the application is filed, a patent examiner will review it and conduct a search for prior art to determine if the invention is eligible for a patent. The examiner may also issue rejections or objections to the application, which the patent attorney will need to address.

6. Office Action Response: If the patent examiner issues a rejection or objection, the patent attorney will need to respond with arguments and evidence to overcome the rejection or objection. This process may require several rounds of back-and-forth between the patent attorney and the examiner.

7. Patent Grant: If the patent examiner determines that the invention is eligible for a patent, the USPTO will issue a Notice of Allowance, which means that the patent will be granted once all necessary fees are paid. Once the fees are paid, the USPTO will issue the patent.

It's worth noting that this process can take several years and may require significant effort and resources. However, a patent attorney can help streamline the process and ensure that the application meets all necessary requirements for obtaining a patent.