This new limited device sounds quite intriguing, I'm going to assume (and hope) what makes it so expensive/unique is not the material that it is constructed out of, but because of some new engineering. Something even simpler than the current rebuildable atomizer, perhaps? A wickless atomizer? Some new way to vaporize the liquid that involves a unique heating element and not a wire coil. I'm curious to see what you make Zen~.
I also hope that if you pioneer a technology that it becomes something that others will use too, a new paradigm. I hate to say things like "revolutionary" but I hope its something that moves in that direction. File those patents!
As for patents, I'd hate to see that happen (for personal and community reasons). Zen didn't pioneer the Genesis concept, but has certainly taken it to new levels and if that concept had received a patent, the Zenesis would probably not exist. The way I've thought about doing things is keeping it completely open source. Obviously, no one should be copying the work of others exactly, but I would think a design trademark or copyright might cover that without the need for a concept patent. In my own work, I don't really have a problem with others borrowing concepts (I certainly have, with some of my own innovations), but I would definitely have a problem with a direct or very close to direct ripoff.
I'd rather make my money by producing the best version of my design than by restricting others from building from it.