Potential Patent

[Jbird]

I am an inventor of sorts and a friend of mine has asked me to do a rough prototype for a pie making machine. I have made the rough prototype. I was given no specification and I regard all this as a bit of fun. However, should it be taken further I would like to know where I would stand and as I'm unsure to take it any further without their commitment. As yet I have not shown it to anyone. Can anyone give me any guidance on this matter?
Thank you

[gobbledegeek]

Have a look at the Patent Office website as it has a lot of useful information. If I remember correctly a patent can have an 'applicant\owner' and an 'inventor'. So, your friend could apply for the patent and list you as the inventor. Be advised that applying for a patent is a long and costly exercise!