I am developing a small item and I want to patent it. This book "PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS & TRADEMARKS FOR DUMMIES" helped me to understand the "complexity" of obtaining a patent right or a copyright for even a small item. The book is very informational and helpful and I do recommend it to anybody.
On a funny note, the complexity and the financial burden of obtaining a patent it almost make me to "give up" on my invention!!!