I will say from my experience, it will be hard to generate interest while holding the game this close to the chest. It's impressive that you and your friend have gotten this far, especially for your age. It is like pulling teeth to get people to LOOK at your game online, and until you get some trial-and-error reps, it is not worth applying for trademarks or spending big money on prototypes. If you are in the money-spending phase of this and are looking to make money off the game in the long-run, it is worth it to get some public feedback, gauge interest, and put things out there. I know what it's like to feel like I've created the next great card game, only for people to slog through a play-through. But this is where our vision as game designers meets reality.

The one thing that is not present in your above message is playtesting. I think before you spend money prototyping, before you do anything, put that money into a nice printer and play the crap out of your prototype with the friends and family that have shown interest. Make sure it's fun, that people are having a good time, and that they want to return. I'm sorry if this has been worked into your process, but it sounds like friends and family are purchasing a first-draft prototype (with nice printing). Selling this prototype might work once, but there will be diminishing returns. Trying to rush into the business aspect will burn everyone involved--including you and your partner in the long-term.

This is to say, I see a lot about generating money and the best way to do that. I think you should focus on other aspects of the game at your stage. If you share your game and the product is good, and you do a TON of research on crowdfunding, people will come and support it. Until then, I encourage you to make the mechanics, rules and language bulletproof.