How to create a product

[Something Fishy]

I believe @somethingfishy is knowledgeable in this field

All my patent work and experience is in hardware. I know nothing about software patents. I'd imagine both the IP law and practical aspects are completely different.

[somefield]

But a patent search is a good idea to do as you don't want to invest money in a product and then find out that someone has a patent on it.
What's the approximate cost for a patent search?

For a professional patent search I've paid anywhere from 1500-8000.

[kayef]

I appreciate all the responses.
For the first time, I did a google patent search (didn't know about it b4) and my idea has already been thought of. I don't know what level of patenting it's up to. Does this mean I have nothing to do or is there someway I can still act on my idea?

[somefield]

If you speak to a patent attorney he may be able to detail what may be considered "safe harbor" items from your idea that you can run with. Otherwise you can always offer to license the existing IP and sell as a private labeler.