If you have an idea for an app you may be wondering how to protect your app idea, and if that is even possible.
Whether you’re a startup, or a corporation wanting to develop new technology, there are some easy steps you can take when protecting an app idea.
Here are some of our suggestions on what to do if you have an app idea and how to protect it.
How to Protect an Idea for an App
1. Do not sign an NDA
Big Fish is a custom app development company in Tampa, Florida. We work primarily with established, already successful companies that need an app development team for hire. The request to sign an NDA is more commonly made by startups.
If you are a startup you probably want and need advice and feedback. Putting an NDA between you and any person that could help, will only slow you down.
Steve Jobs famously said “To me, ideas are worth nothing unless executed…Execution is worth millions.”
You are far too worried about protecting your app idea. Most, if not all of the people you want to talk to will have absolutely no interest in taking your idea and developing it for themselves. So there is no need to sign an NDA before talking about your app idea.
Here’s what to do instead of asking for an NDA if you are concerned about protecting your app idea…
2. Share 80% of your app idea
This tip is an effective way to protect your app idea while still being able to talk about it to investors and partners.
Before discussing your app idea, consider what makes your app unique.
What about it is proprietary? What is your “secret sauce”?
Your whole app is not proprietary. I can assure you there is already at least one app that exists that already does some or most of what your app will do. It just may function in a different way, or be targeted to a different audience.
Once you know what really makes your app different – you’ve found the 20%. You can talk about the other 80% all day, and be confident that your app is protected.
3. Trademark the name or logo of your app
Filing a trademark is a way to protect your app idea from being used by others.
But, you can’t trademark an idea until that idea is in tangible form. By tangible I mean a logo, slogan, drawing or written words that you are actively using.
Examples of actively using are:
- On a public website
- An app in the App Store
- Social media presence
Yes, you can trademark a name, logo or slogan.
You may not be able to patent your software though. Check out this in-depth article about patenting an app for the specific details.
Here’s what else you can do to protect your app idea…
4. Stop trying to protect your app idea
Instead, get out there and tell people about it.
You might discover that your app idea is terrible, and save yourself a lot of time and money. Or, you might find exactly what you’re looking for.
5. How to protect a corporate app idea
Maybe you aren’t a startup. You’re an organization that has an upcoming app development project and you need to interview app developers. But, you also don’t want to risk competitors getting wind of what you’re doing. Or, you don’t the app develop to steal your app idea and develop it for themselves.
Here’s the thing. Hopefully, the app development company(ies) you interview are reputable. If this is the case, it’s really not in their best interest (or any interest) to share your business secrets with the world.
But, just in case you have lingering concern about protecting your app idea…follow the advice I gave above about only discussing the 80%.
I own an app development company and have had introductory calls with companies that were productive for both of us. And that without knowing exactly what mobile app idea they were protecting.
6. Get legal advice for apps
Last but not least, it’s important to get legal advice if you’re concerned about protecting your app idea.
Brent Britton is an intellectual property lawyer in Tampa, Florida. He has an informative blog that you can read for free, or call him to schedule a consultation.
Final Thoughts about Protecting Your App Idea
My hope is that you’re now at least a little less concerned about someone stealing your app idea.
If not, then I’ve armed you with some actionable ways to protect your app idea so you can get out and talk about it.
To your success!
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This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Please consult with a lawyer for legal advice.
