[benny306]

I know you can't patent an idea, but say you have a new electronic product design, can you patent the product without the electronics working?

Just as a hypothetical example, let's say you created a unique design for a cell phone. Can you patent that design or do you have to have a working cellphone model before you are allowed patent?

[Dale King]

You DO NOT need a working prototype to file for patent protection. Many inventors mistakenly believe they need a working prototype prior to filing for patent protection. However, prototypes can be useful when determining whether your invention will work properly.

If you plan to license or sell your "patent rights" to your invention, there is no need to build an expensive prototype unless you need to determine if your invention will work properly. Obviously if you are going to manufacture products under your patent rights you will need to design a working prototype prior to manufacturing the product.

Dale King

[Nigami Enterprise]

You don't need a prototype but you still have to prove that it will work wethere its through drawings or other means. Basic prototypes are always good to see your idea in a realistic view.