Are you a mobile app developer looking to protect your creations? Securing a patent for your mobile application can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of applying for and obtaining a patent for your mobile application.
Step 1: Conduct a Patent Search
Conducting a patent search is an important first step in the process of protecting your mobile app idea. A patent search is the process of researching existing patents to make sure that your idea does not already exist. This can be done either manually or through a specialized database, and it will involve searching for similar products, services, or processes that have already been patented.
The goal is to ensure that you are not infringing on any existing patents and therefore protect yourself from potential legal action. The information gathered during this research can also help inform you as to what makes your app unique and different from other existing apps.
Step 2: Prepare an Invention Disclosure Document (IDD)
The second step in the process of inventing a mobile app is to prepare an Invention Disclosure Document (IDD). This document provides the details of your idea and is essential for protecting your intellectual property. It should include a detailed explanation of the invention, why it is unique, and how it will be used. The IDD also includes information about any related patents that may already exist.
A patent attorney can help you determine if any existing patents cover your invention, as well as provide advice on how best to protect it from infringement. Having an IDD prepared properly by a professional can save time and money in the long run, ensuring that your mobile app idea is protected from theft or misuse.
Step 3: File a Provisional Patent Application (PPA) with the USPTO
Once you have your patent documents ready, the next step is to file a Provisional Patent Application (PPA) with the USPTO. This is an important step in protecting your mobile app idea and provides you with a one-year period of patent protection. When filing the PPA, it is important to make sure that all of the necessary information is included, such as drawings and descriptions of your invention.
Once the PPA has been filed, you will receive an official document from the USPTO stating that you have applied for a patent on your mobile app idea. This document can be used as evidence that you are in the process of obtaining a patent for your invention.
Step 4: Develop Your Non-Provisional Patent Application (NPA) with Help from an Attorney/Agent
The fourth step in the patenting process is to develop a Non-Provisional Patent Application (NPA) with the help of an attorney or agent. This application is used to provide legal protection for your idea, product, or invention, such as a mobile app. The NPA will include detailed descriptions and claims of your invention, and it should be written in a way that clearly demonstrates why your idea is unique. It is important to enlist the help of an experienced patent attorney or agent to ensure that all aspects of the application are properly filled out and communicated in order to increase the chances of approval from the USPTO.
Step 5: Submit Your Non-Provisional Patent Application (NPA) to the USPTO
Once all the prior steps have been completed, the final step in obtaining a patent on a mobile app is to submit your Non-Provisional Patent Application (NPA) to the USPTO. This application must include all of the paperwork, details, and documents that were prepared during the previous four steps.
Upon submission of your NPA, you will then be able to receive your patent pending status, which will protect your idea from potential infringement. The USPTO reviews each application and makes sure it meets their standards before they can grant you a patent. After this process is completed, you will be able to rest assured that your idea for a mobile app is legally protected with a patent.
Get Help With Your Mobile Application
From start to finish, building and managing a mobile application can be difficult on your own. Knowing how to protect your app idea is an important step. Fortunately, you can get help from KitelyTech, including ways of protecting your app’s intellectual property. At KitelyTech, we work with companies to develop apps and other IT systems. We can help you build just about anything that you need and help you find the best ways of putting them to use. Call us at (800) 274-2908 to discuss your next project.
