Recently, Rylan Grayston invented an affordable 3D printer which only costs 100 bulks. While other high technological 3D printers sales for thousands of dollars.
He used Facebook as a way of marketing, posting a short video which introduces his invention. As a result, he received a $720,000. This invention or we can call it a innovation brought Grayston more money for him to invent more products rather than buy luxurious personal things. Being the first can lead to a success that has less competition. But thinking in a long term direction, there must be more and more competition in the future, because other companies will perceive the new industry as an excellent way of making money.
Rylan said he would not apply for a patent and he shared his plan on the Internet. He is kind and nice that shared his secrets with the public, but from the business way, owning a patent could bring him advantages of preventing others manufacturing, copying, selling or importing his inventions without permission and he will receive more profit, because he could sell kit(the name of his 3D printers) for higher price. So I believe applying for a patent is a good idea that can protect him and his lovely 3D printer kit.
Here is the news that contains several videos that introduce the affordable 3D printer:
And I also searched for the advantages and disadvantages of having a patent: