How To Copyright Your App?

Many startups and businesses are making a fortune today just because of a single reason; unique and creative idea. You are witnessing many innovative apps today, such as Uber, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Skype, etc., that are connecting people in their own unique ways. It is almost impossible to come up with an app that can compete with the aforementioned applications. Still, when you go through Google or Apple PlayStore, you will find bogus apps, earning off the creativeness of someone else’s ideas. The mobile application is a form of property that can be protected by copyrights and patent policies.
Following are some common methods that you can use to protect your app:
Copyright your app
Copyrighting is the most feasible method to apply when it comes to protecting the rights of your property from its unauthorized distribution. You can never copyright an idea. You have to convert your ideas into some actual coding or UI elements; only then will your idea or app be eligible for copyright ownership. Moreover, it is a relatively cheaper method to protect your application from forgers.
Non-disclosure agreement
Probably it is the most common step taken by various organizations to protect their intellectual property. Whether you are hiring a business development expert, project managers, or programmers, ask them to sign a non-disclosure agreement before initiating the app development project. Another important tip is; hire the best attorney to fulfill this purpose.
Patent
Applying for a patent for your property is a complex process as you have to go through some extensive procedures to complete it. It takes almost two to three years to issue a mobile app’s patent after you apply for it. The pro aspect of the patent is; not only the functionalities of your app get protected, but also no one can develop the same app independently; if someone wants to create the same app like yours, then he/she has to pay some royalty to you. And do not forget that only unique, creative, and not-so-obvious things are eligible to be patented.
There is an obvious drawback; a patent doesn’t come cheap. It even can cost you more than you invest in creating the app.
Another exciting thing is, you can also apply for a provisional patent, which means your app will be protected for a specific time. Let suppose your app did not go well, and you have the provisional patent for your app, so you still have time to make it better without anyone forging your idea (as it will be provisional patented).
 
Do business with the right people and document everything
When it comes to doing business, never rush! Before getting into business with someone, always find out whether they had a good reputation or not? It is easy to skim through the background of your investor, client, or even programmer before getting into work with them. You must have a reliable person to protect your project’s information from getting leaked.
Always put each and everything of your app on a document at the spot. It doesn’t matter whether you are preparing the project overview, plan, coding, or a marketing strategy. Always save them in the form of a document to easily prove your stance when dealing with the court of law.