How to Protect Your App Idea

Creating Legal Protection

1. Consider getting a copyright. Creating a copyright gives you the ability to file a copyright infringement action if someone uses your material without permission. This will protect your source code, in-app text, and graphics. The process of securing a copyright varies between countries. Start by contacting your national copyright office. They will be able to give you the necessary application papers and help guide you through the process.

   1. Remember that this does not protect your idea, it only covers the specific coding, text, and graphics in your app.^{[1] X Research source}
   2. Consider using a lawyer to help you write the copyright if you are not experienced in writing legal documents.
   EXPERT TIP

   Harish Chandran, PhD

   Machine Learning Engineer & PhD in Computer Science, Duke University

   Harish Chandran is the Engineering Site Lead and Senior Staff Research Engineer at DeepMind, where he leads the engineering efforts to integrate AI research results into Google products. Harish received his PhD in Computer Science from Duke University in 2012. He has experience in DNA self-assembly, evolutionary algorithms, computational neuroscience, complexity theory, computer architecture, and super-computing.

   Harish Chandran, PhD
   Machine Learning Engineer & PhD in Computer Science, Duke University

   Your app doesn't have to be completed in order to patent it. Machine learning engineer Harish Chandran says: "You can patent an idea for an app, but you have to completely describe it using very specific terms. The sort of patents that are challenged tend to have very abstract ideas, and don't describe the specific implementation of that idea."

2. Apply for a trademark to protect your app name. App names can be protected by a trademark. This allows you to take legal action if anyone tries to use your name or logo. The process of applying for a trademark varies between countries. Approach your national trademark headquarters to find out about the application process and to get the necessary forms.^{[2] X Research source}

   1. Using a trademark will stop others from copying your app name. Even with a trademark, though, anyone can still create a similar app and simply use a different name. For example, searching almost any popular game in the app store will show you multiple spin-offs under different names.
   2. Before settling on a name, it's important to check that the name is not already trademarked. Contact your national trademark office to see if your name is available.

3. Reserve your app name in the Apple App Store. Protect your app name on the App Store by making a name reservation. To do this you will need to go to the iTunes Connect webpage and make an account. Once you have made an account you will be able to submit an app name reservation on the iTunes Connect page.

   1. The application process and name reservation is free.^{[3] X Research source}
   2. You will only be able to reserve names that are not already taken.

4. Construct a non-disclosure agreement. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legal contract that states that all information shared with an outside party will be kept confidential.^{[4] X Research source} This protects your app idea from being shared or reused by others involved with your project. Search online for an NDA template and edit the document to include the information that you need to protect.

   1. When working with contractors, investors and potential clients, ask them to sign the agreement before having access to the details of the app.^{[5] X Research source}