A Comprehensive Guide on How To Patent a Mobile Application

In this era of emerging technologies businesses try to extend their reach through mobile apps. So how this works?

You got an amazing invention idea, you built a mobile application on it, and you are now running a business through your innovative mobile application. But, what if someone stoles your business idea- this can be a great loss to you and your business.

Yes, believe it or not, it happens and is happening to many. The only solution to this is patenting your mobile application. You heard it right- patent a mobile application.

A mobile app patent is also a form of intellectual right to safeguard your creative and innovative app idea from illegal usage. You should take a patent for your mobile app to save your hard work, your idea, or your method.

Let’s see a comprehensive guide on how to patent an app idea, and everything else regarding it.

Patenting a Mobile Application- What Does it Actually Means?

As I said, a mobile application patent is an IPR to protect the app concept and idea from non-voluntary usage. You can either patent the method or the process for performing some series of actions.

If you have a patent then no individual or organization can copy, sell, make profits, or modify the app without your consent. If you have a patent you can apply for compensation if anyone breaches the patent laws.

This way, your unique mobile app idea will remain yours only till the end.

Types of Patent- for Mobile App

For a mobile app patent-one can apply for either a provisional or non-provisional app patent.

The provisional patents are easy to file, but they are applicable only for 12 months. After that, you need to apply for non-provisional patents which take around 18 months to file the patent and 24-48 months to make the patent.

Eligibility of an App for a Patent

An app is only eligible to get a patent when it meets the following criteria:

• The app idea should be unique and unknown to anyone.
• It should work practically and should be useful to the users
• Patents are the only good solution to protecting inventions

Documents Needed For The App Patent

For patenting, a lot of paperwork is required; the same is true for mobile app patents. Some of the much-needed documents that you have to present are:

• Declaration form
• Entity status form
• Information disclosure statement
• Fee sheet
• Claims
• Application data sheet
• Drawings
• Cover sheet
• Specifications

Steps To File an App Patent

The steps to apply for a patent are as follows:

Hire a Professional

The patent includes some legal procedures, so you will need the help of a software patent attorney. They can help you create a properly designed patent that will increase the chances of getting your app selected. You can hire a software patent attorney from ownmyinvention- a US patent services provider.

Transform the Idea into Reality

The court will demand proof of your application, and you will have to show a piece of tangible evidence. After that, only the court will permit a patent against your application.

Research for the Patent

You might think that you have done the research part, but there are chances that similar applications like yours already have a patent. If you don’t know how to do a patent search yourself, it is advised that you seek the help of a professional patent attorney or a patent-providing company that can do deep patent research.

Submit the Patent Application

Depending on your budget and time, you can apply for provisional or non-provisional patents. You can file a patent through email, keep one copy with yourself, and add the following points to your application:

• Filing date
• Your app’s name
• Your name
• Self-addressed postcard
• Documents list
• Page numbers

For a provisional patent, you don’t have to submit detailed information, and you will be given 12 months of patent time for building an MVP.

To Sum Up

If you have a unique mobile app idea that can disrupt the market, going for a patent is the best idea. A patent will properly protect your intellectual property.

For an app patent, there is a thorough legal process. To get more information on how to patent an app idea, how to file a patent application, and how to hire the right patent attorney, visit the ownmyinvention.com website.

We will assist you with all patent-related issues. Meanwhile, you can have a look at www.ownmyinvention.comreviews. 

Stay connected and keep inventing!