do i need a patent?

[Ben]

I have an idea for a bullet vibrator cover/sleeve.  How can I find out if I need a patent for this?  I know there are sleeves already, but mine is a different shape.

[Brad]

Hi Ben,

You asked "how do I know if I need a patent"?   The truth is nobody ever "needs" a patent and many very successful businesses and products have never applied for a patent.    Some of the main reasons why you may want to to consider applying for a patent are:
1. To be able to stop other people from copying your patented idea
2. To be able to market your invention as "patent pending"
3. To help you raise money from investors (many investors will not invest in your company if you don't have a patent).

You should spend some time searching through google images as well as doing a patent search to see if anyone else has invented something identical to you:  https://patentfile.org/how-to-search-provisional-patents/