Question

What is the procedure to patent an app?

I built a web app and don't know what is next? Should I patent the app or the business plan?

Can you give me the steps to make sure no one else uses my work.

Answer 1

Some of the step or procedure to patent an app:

1) Decide, which type of patent to apply- there are three types of patent is available that recognized by the USTPO is

• Utility patent - It is used to patent the function of the invention
• design patent - It is used for the non-functional invention like shape, size and feature of the invention.
• plant patent - it refers to the plant the reproduces asexually.

2) Decide which application is to submit:

• Provisional patent application is referred as the time given to the applicant to develop the app.In this application, you patent the app before the development. So, that nobody can copy your idea or invention.
• NonProvisional patent application is applied after the app is fully developed and ready to come in the market.

3) Submit the Provisional Patent Application- When your app is completed. You apply for a patent by the Provisional Patent Application with a certain document and description about the app that how it works and its feature.

4) Time - If we talk about the time under Provisional patent application. you have the one year time to fully develop the app and available in the market. Whereas under the NonProvisional patent application, You have to wait for the several months before the USTPO start the investigation about your app.

So, this is the procedure to patent the app.

I think business model can be modified. but the app's feature can't be modified by someone else.You should patent the app. Because if we little modified or change the business model.It can't come under the patent. Whereas, App can't be modified or copy. Some have to make a another app with different features to compete with you.

Some of the steps to make sure no one else uses my work:

• One of the important step to avoid the copy-paste is not shared the information about the app with anyone.This will help to maintain the secrecy about the app coding and business model.
• Not work with too many partners.This will help to decrease the conflict as well as decrease the change of sharing important information.
• Follow all the laws and regulations during filing for the patent.
• Use tough coding. So, that it can't hack or crack easily.

So, these are some step. which help you to make sure Nobody can use your work.