Complete Guide on Patenting your Mobile Application Ideas in 2024

Your unique app idea, which can take you to the pinnacle of success, is prone to concept piracy. Due to high competition and the pressure of a faster time-to-market, mobile app idea stealing is becoming a common practice. By patenting your app with the right legal methods, you offer a protective shield against your app concept, so no one can touch it.  Get your app patent, get some peaceful sleep, and let your app concept flourish as a sole entity in the market with a unique concept behind it. 

As per Statista, Mobile app revenue across most segments will increase over the next few years and overall will reach around 613 billion U.S. dollars by 2025.

This stat is proof of burgeoning mobile app demands and recalling the fact that apps are UBIQUITOUS! 

Yes, we know they are everywhere! The most interesting fact suggests that despite the huge number of apps already available in the market, there is still a HIGH demand for them.  

And this calls for better apps with better ideas!

But have you ever been told that better ideas lead to more chances of being stolen, turning your unique idea into a common solution?

It is very evident that app ideas are a valuable asset and can open a wealth of opportunities. And to make this work, it is necessary to merge the right execution with dedication and let these ideas turn these concepts into the potential that can revolutionize industries, create new markets, and generate significant revenue streams. 

Hence, it is highly recommended to secure your app idea so no one can steal it.

Unfortunately, due to high competition in the market, there is a BIG FAT chance of losing your app idea to a competitor, much before it gains attention and acceptance from your TG.

And to save you from this chaos- App Patent is your go-to solution!

If we have got your attention, then this read is curated for you only. Just scroll it ahead and spill the beans of saving app idea uniqueness.

Let’s get started…

App Patent- Is It Really a Thing?

Well, most of us wonder if they really need to patent their apps, as it sounds tedious and time-consuming.

Here we would like to quote that today’s mobile app ideas can turn into a multi-billion dollar business tomorrow. Hence, it is not a choice but a mandatory fact for every business to invest in app idea patenting.

Let us cite a better explanation for you…when you think of an app idea, it involves time, money, and endless efforts in brainstorming within and around the idea.

It has been seen that the simplest app ideas are the outcomes of years of brainstorming, so the end result can be as seamless as possible. 

Now the big question comes, you have invested a lot of time and energy in the app, and one fine day you see a better or similar app idea sizzling in the market.

That is unfair. But unless you have devised a structured outline for your Mobile app ideas for copyright reservation, then you can expect no good.

And the saddest part is that your OG gets lost amidst the pool of newbies.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that you safeguard it from all the people, and competitors around you by giving it a unique identity with an app patent.

App Patent- a Quick Overview

In simpler terms, a mobile app patent serves as validation, demonstrating that your app idea has been reviewed and approved by the government. 

With such validation, you can ensure that your innovative concept is protected from intellectual theft or unauthorized use. 

At the same time, with a patent in hand, you effectively secure your invention’s future and establish yourself as a pioneer in the ever-evolving mobile app industry. 

In addition, you are eligible to access legal rights and leverage, providing you with a solid foundation for further growth and potential partnerships.

How Mobile App Patents Can Help Businesses?

If you think that app patents can only be beneficial to an app’s security, you are hugely mistaken. With app patents, your business can have the following advantages:

Get an Edge Over Competitors

When you patent your mobile app idea, you create a protective barrier against competitors and prevent them from entering the same market space. As a business, you get the exclusive opportunity to develop, improve, and market your app with a solid foundation.

Asset Protection

Securing an app patent ensures that you are legally entitled to seek damages, address grievances, and obtain compensation if mobile app ideas have been imitated or infringed upon.

Now let’s dig deeper to understand the different types of mobile app ideas patent.

What Are the Different Types of Patent Applications?

Provisional Application

The significance of this patent cannot be overstated, as it serves as a legal document. It is used by patent applicants to secure an early effective filing date in a later-filed patent application. 

This early filing date helps establish the inventor’s rights and prevents others from obtaining a similar patent. 

Key benefits are:

• Pocket-friendly
• Easy-to-access 
• Secured to file date
• Flexible to give year’s time to complete the app’s specifications
• Gives a badge of “patent pending” on the product, so people can be aware of
• Has limited formal requirements 

Non- Provisional Application

It generally serves as the initial step in obtaining a legally recognized patent and secures intellectual property rights. 

This application is used by inventors looking forward to protecting their inventive ideas or processes, providing a solid foundation for future innovation. 

It requires a more comprehensive and detailed submission, to effectively navigate the patent process and secure unique innovations.

Key benefits are:

• A critical first step in obtaining a legally recognized patent
• Easy process to gain ownership of an idea
• Seamless navigation of the complex legal landscape of the intellectual property

Can You Patent an App?

Yes, you can patent an app. A patent can protect the functional and technical aspects of an app, including its features, design, and underlying technology. To be eligible for a patent, an app must meet certain criteria, such as being new, non-obvious, and useful. Additionally, the patent application must provide a detailed description of the app and how it works.

Must read- How Much Does It Cost To Make An App

How to Check the Eligibility of Mobile App Ideas for Patenting?

Before diving headfirst into the exciting world of patenting your groundbreaking mobile application idea, it is necessary to check whether the Mobile app ideas are eligible for patenting or not. 

There are multiple points or eligibility criteria that need to be considered, such as:

Invention

Based on the patent and trademark office of a specific country, it is mandatory to conduct a patent search test prior to finalizing the application for filing a patent. 

It ensures that the proposed invention is novel and has not been previously patented or disclosed by anyone else. 

As per the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a patent should provide a solution to a problem or issue faced by users, demonstrating its practical usefulness and applicability. 

Usefulness

The idea must hold immense potential to benefit a wide range of users in their daily lives. 

By harnessing advanced technology and intuitive design, the app should streamline various tasks and provide solutions for common challenges. 

This app’s success stems from its user-friendly interface and adaptability, which allow it to cater to the diverse needs of the general population. 

This translates that the patented invention contributes positively to the advancement of technology and improves the lives of those who utilize it.

Non-Obvious

As per the laws and rights governing intellectual property, it is essential that an app idea be non-obvious to an experienced person in the same field. 

This stipulation ensures that the individual evaluating the patent application has the authority to accurately categorize it. 

It not only promotes innovation by encouraging unique ideas but also prevents the patenting of minor modifications to existing technologies. 

How to Check If a Similar App Idea Is Patented or Not?

For your surprise, there is a complete database that holds all the information about the mobile app ideas filed for patenting. 

With this invaluable resource, app owners can sift through existing patents and identify potential gaps in the market. 

This database guarantees app ideas are unique and do not infringe upon any intellectual property rights.

Through the World Intellectual Property Organization’s International Patent Classification (IPC) Catchword Index, it is possible to explore existing mobile app ideas that have already been filed for an international patent.

At the same time, if the patent filing is from the USA, one needs to check the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) guidelines and databases for accurate information. 

Required Documents for Application Patent

• Declaration or Oath
• Drawings
• Fee Sheet
• Cover Sheet
• ADS i.e., Application Data Sheet
• Application to Make Special (Optional)
• Claims
• Information Disclosure Statement
• Entity Status Form
• Patent Cooperation Treaty (for International Filings) (Optional)
• Specification

How to Patent an Idea for an App?

Yes, this is the most crucial part of the entire process. So let’s understand the step-by-step process- 

Hire a Patent Attorney

Well, it goes without saying that, to upsurge the chances of your app idea being selected for patenting, it is necessary to hire a professional patent attorney.

Such an attorney can leverage their experience to effectively assess your idea and evaluate its potential for obtaining a patent.

They assist you in navigating the patent application process, addressing any issues that may arise, and avoiding the pitfalls of rejection.

Disclosure

It is time to disclose app features and secure court approval for your patent.

The app idea must meet specific requirements, including realism, feasibility, and other eligibility criteria. 

You must demonstrate that your idea has the potential to solve a real-world problem or improve existing solutions, while also ensuring that it is practical and achievable.

Patent Search

To expedite the patent approval process, it is essential for a skilled patent attorney to conduct in-depth patent research. 

This analysis enables investigating the patent landscape, potential issues can be identified and addressed proactively, resulting in a smoother and quicker approval process. 

Application Filing

Undoubtedly, the decision to file an application for a patent can be pivotal for the future success of an app. 

This decision may be based on factors such as the market size and the uniqueness of the app idea. 

A patent filing can either be a provisional or non-provisional patent application, each offering its own benefits and requirements. 

Submission

After completing all the other steps correctly, apply for a patent. Just to draw your attention; this process is lengthy and involves lots of paperwork.

How Much Does It Cost to Patent an Idea?

The cost of provisional patents ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, hence, it is important for entrepreneurs to carefully evaluate the benefits of securing one. 

On the other hand, when considering all the legal channels involved, the total expenses can increase to a staggering $12,000 to $15,000 per patent. 

• Elementary filing fee: $70-280+
• Patent search fee: $150-600
• Patent Examination fee: $180-700
• 3.5-year maintenance fee: $400-1600
• 7.5-year maintenance fee: $900-3600
• 11.5-year maintenance fee: $1850-7000+

For Detailed fee structure visit the official site of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

How Much Time Does It Take to Patent Mobile App Ideas?

After cost, the next big thing comes how much time it takes to get a mobile app patented. 

You should know that there are fair chances of apps getting rejected and resubmitted due to multiple reasons. This process can consume 4 to 6 years or maybe more, depending on the different scenarios involved.

Are there any alternative options for patenting Mobile app ideas?

Yes, there are!

Alternatives to Patenting Mobile App Ideas

Since patenting is a time-consuming task, it is better to look for alternatives that are less time-consuming and more cost-effective.

Copyright- This patenting alternative is a better choice for preventing unauthorized replication of an app’s code and user interface. It is cost-effective but it is only effective when someone attempts to directly duplicate the app, and does not cover concepts or functionality.

Trademark- This type of protection is very important to protect the brand image by safeguarding logos, advertisements, catalogs, titles, and designs. It is a good option to prevent imitation or misrepresentation of the brand, preserving its reputation and building trust.

Non-disclosure Agreement- With a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), you add a legal layer to keep specific mobile app-related information confidential, safeguarding the interests of the parties involved. It helps the app’s sensitive data and trade secrets, and breaching them can lead to a lawsuit/penalties.

Non-compete Agreement- This agreement ensures that developers work with a company developing similar mobile apps for a fixed period after quitting their current organization. This clause aims to reduce the risk of losing to competition and stop letting information fall into the hands of their rivals.

To Patent or Not to Patent- Secret Tips!

Well, it is not wrong to say we are living in a competitive world and gradually shifting to a hyperconnected world.

Here, apps will connect the communication thread across the globe. Hence, it is not a smart move to overlook mobile app ideas.

A unique and valuable idea has the potential to redefine the industry; however, if left unprotected, it can just as easily be consumed by competitors without any guilt.

However, the whole process of patenting is a tedious process and is not an ideal choice for an MVP.  We at Hidden Brains recommend opting for alternatives to patenting if faster time-to-market is your objective and save your resources from getting blocked.

Final Verdict

Indeed, patents can be a tad complex, so it is best to protect your app idea with a reputable and skilled mobile app development company. 

If you are a forward-thinking company with a unique app idea, then you must connect with the right team of Mobile app development company to increase your chances of success.

And this is where Hidden Brains is your best bet.

With Hidden Brains, you can get a smooth process rollout for app patenting or securing your mobile app idea.

Connect with Hidden Brains– we ensure that with each app, innovation prevails and opportunities for growth remain unhindered.

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Albert Smith

Albert Smith, Marketing Manager at Hidden Brains, drives brand growth with innovative strategies in web, mobile app, and software development.