Q:  Why can’t I use a do-it-yourself book and write my own patent application or procure my own trademark?

A:  You can and numerous people have tried, however this path is laden with peril.  Even if you are ultimately granted a patent or trademark,  your work may be useless.  Numerous individuals who end up with their own patents, also have extremely narrow claims, which supply extremely narrow exclusionary rights.  What good is an exclusionary right that excludes essentially nothing?