You have created a device that will be placed on restaurant tables. It will replace paper menus and waiters, and it will be used in the Human Resource department. The device streams the daily menu. The menu displays daily choices and visual representations of how the selections are prepared and cooked. The device is voice-activated, and it gives the diner the capability to order your meals and suggest options or additions to the items. In addition, the display covers a 360-degree view of your table and has recording upload and download capabilities that record your table party activity for customers' future enjoyment. You can upload the interactive video to your mobile device or the cloud. You can upload the event to the restaurant's "MealTime" website and share it with friends and family subscribers. The device also contains a payment system that allows customers to order and pay at the table with a customer's mobile device.

In addition, the invention will enable customers at home or in transit to order and pay for takeout or schedule a delivery or pickup. Your invention also contains an algorithm design that integrates HR background searches and personality traits of prospective employee hires. The algorithm measures the compatibility of potential future hires against critical Human Resource initiatives and measurements. The algorithm has a high rate of eliminating applicants that potentially do not fit into your organization. Sally asks, "How can we patent this device?"

• Should you file for a patent for Sally's device?
• How does obtaining a patent impact the business?

Address the following in your reply:

• What is a patent? What are the advantages of filing a patent?
• What types of patents are available? Which category does your invention fall in?
• Who can apply for a patent?
• What can and cannot be patented?
• How long does patent protection last?
• How much does it cost to get a patent?
• How does a patent protect intellectual property?