We are in a time where people who never experienced unemployment during their adult lives are now left jobless.

Yet even in these trying times, people are dealing with adversity and making things happen. Some are using their idle time to pursue ideas they've always had for inventions.

The number of people actively involved in invention is up 20% year over year, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Now, you might look at our well-developed economy and say, "We have so many gadgets already. How could someone possibly come up with a new idea?" Yet the opportunities for improving the way we do things are virtually endless precisely because our economy is so developed.

For example, look at the world of handheld video cameras. This is an arena that's dominated by large Japanese manufacturers. How could anyone possibly get a toehold in that kind of market?

Enter the makers of the Flip video camera, which starts at $100. They simplified the camera to the point that even Clark's 3-year-old son can use it. The Flip was even named one of the best inventions of 2008 by Time magazine.

And now the founders of the Flip have sold the company for $600 million! Of course, not every inventor will do this well, but the opportunity is out there.

Clark recommends Nolo.com for a low-cost way to help obtain a patent.

Clark has talked in the past about phony invention groups. There was even a law passed in 1999 - the American Inventors’ Protection Act – to safeguard consumers against these fraudulent companies. But apparently, they are back. The Patent & Trademark Office has issued a warning about these groups, and you can find it at uspto.gov. The scams usually work in three steps. At first, they send you a free information kit. Then, they hit you up for $500 to $700 to do some “preliminary research” into the viability of your idea. After a few weeks, they send you another thicker package, saying your idea is a hit and they need more money to start a marketing campaign. This time, they hit you up for $5,000 to $10,000. Don’t allow yourself to be taken. So, how do you find legitimate groups? For general information, howstuffworks.com is a good starting point. Another one is inventored.org, which is an informational site for inventors. Another easy one is asktheinvenstors.org. The site tries to sell you things, as well, but you don’t have to buy. Then there is the International Federation for Inventors Association. They even have information specifically for women because women tend to experience some discrimination from men in the inventing world. It’s at invention-ifia.ch. So, stay out of harm’s way. When you see those ads on late night TV, steer clear.