The document summarizes the experiences of 12 entrepreneurs who developed 15 ideas and filed 11 patent applications, with 5 patents granted. It discusses why some applications were abandoned due to high costs, while others succeeded. It also profiles 3 entrepreneurs, including one who developed a 3D mouse and received a patent after 5 years, and another who has been inventing for over 50 years and still receives royalties from early designs. In general, patents are only useful when combined with products and businesses, and commercializing patents can provide significant value.