Ideas that are original, viable and marketable are incredibly difficult to find and, consequently, is something the startup industry appreciates. The tech-driven world of today considers patents as valuable particularly when it is a smartphone app. Therefore, it is crucial to protect your app’s concept by having it patent-able and preventing it from being copied or abused. After you have refined your app, other market copycats could, in a way, profit from your original concept of an app. This could reduce your cost to patent app in the long term. But don’t be worried because intellectual property laws protect your app idea from theft and illegal use. It is possible to use trademarks as well as copyright laws to guard your mobile app idea from being copied by others.
In this blog, we will walk you through the detailed idea of cost to patent app, its benefits along with the steps to follow to patent an app and much more.
What is Meant By Patent an App Idea?
In general terms the term “patent” refers to an exclusive right granted to the inventor of any invention. The right is owned by a business or individual that has invented a new product. The same applies to patenting an app. concept is to protect the initial concept of the app that is exclusive to the marketplace. A patent for mobile apps can be described as an intellectual property right that shields your app from copying without permission or non-consensual use.
Additionally, patented mobile apps prevent other users or businesses from attempting to create clones or making false claims. If a mobile application is successful in obtaining a patent from an appropriate authority the app is given an unique patent number. This code can check the validity of a patent mobile app’s concept and confirm that it’s unique.
Why is it Essential to Patent a Mobile App Idea?
Patents provide a guarantee of authenticity that safeguards your ideas and gives you the right to control the idea, functionality and appearance of your application. Why is it crucial for you to protect your app’s concept? Let’s get started!
Protecting Against Imitation
App developers are always creating fresh and creative concepts. Some ideas are not distinctive. Patenting your mobile app can help deter duplicates from copying your app’s distinctive features, functions or elements of design. Patents allow you to prevent others from developing or utilising apps that are substantially identical.
Securing Market Advantage
A patent-protected app can make you stand out in a highly competitive marketplace in which attention from users tends to be short-lived. If you demonstrate the app you are protecting under intellectual property investors, users and partners are more likely to take your application seriously. Patents are an effective marketing tool that can boost the credibility of your app, as well as affect the adoption of your app by users.
Monetising Your Innovation
Patenting your app’s idea could provide opportunities for new income streams. Patents granted by your company can be sold to other developers and earn revenue in the form of royalty payments. Patents could also add worth to your application’s assets, if it is successful in gaining popularity.
Encourage Confidence and Collaboration
You can show prospective investors, colleagues and partners that you’re committed to the pursuit of innovation. This could inspire potential investors, collaborators and partners to join with your goals. Investors are more likely to invest in projects with a solid IP strategy since they know the investment is secure.
Building a Strong Legal Defense
Patent disputes are commonplace in an ever-changing tech environment. Patents can provide you with advantages in the courtroom should someone is attempting to steal your ideas. It lets you assert your rights and possibly claim damages in the event of infringement, assuring that your effort and originality are acknowledged.
Expanding Globally
Patents protect territorial rights that allow you to secure your idea for app development not only in your country of origin but also on international markets. This is especially important when your app becomes popular and may attract customers and rivals from all over the globe.
Types of Mobile App Ideas You Can Patent
If you are thinking about patenting a mobile app concept it is important to understand that not every new idea can be granted patent protection. So, let’s take a look at mobile app ideas that could be eligible to be patentable:
Mobile Gaming Apps
In the event that your game for mobile has new gaming concepts, designs and mechanics that there is no precedent for, then it could be eligible for a patent.
AR/VR-based Apps
The use of AR/VR in mobile app development has set its claim to the digital realm with an explosive effect. Therefore, AR/VR games featuring new methods of overlaying and interfacing with digital content as well as innovative methods of bringing users into the virtual world could be eligible for patent.
Healthcare Apps
When you are dealing with healthcare and medical applications, you have to be extremely creative in ensuring their effectiveness and the benefits they can contribute to the world of healthcare.
IoT Apps
The IoT as well as embedded mobile application that provides innovative controls monitoring, data collection and processing and more that will provide the most recent interconnected IoT device to fruition by automating and supporting us in our daily tasks.
Social Networking Apps
In the present, we observe a myriad of social media apps in our environment as well as the heated debate over Threads and. Twitter – a conversation social media app because they share numerous similarities. If you’ve got an innovative social networking app concept which you do not want to see copied by anyone else and be the next social media mega firm, then patenting it could be a viable and beneficial idea.
Enterprise Apps
It’s the most important kind of customised mobile app that the entire business relies on. You’ve discovered an incredible mobile application solution that will improve the efficiency of your business and assist you in automating many of the mundane tasks. It is very unlikely for the concept to become the next invention of another rival. Patenting is therefore the best way to safeguard your enterprise application and productivity.
Education and Learning Apps
It is important to remember that not all mobile eLearning applications can be protected by patents. An eLearning application that consists of only basic information and gamification components is not a good one to be protected by a patent. It must be unique in its approach and components to impart information to users that need to be legally eligible to receive patent security.
Provisional vs Non-Provisional Patents
When it comes to patent protection, it is essential to know the distinctions between the provisional and non-provisional patents since each has its own individual purpose in the process of submitting patent applications.
Provisional Patent
An application for a provisional patent is a smart investment that grants the “patent pending” status for your invention prior to its introduction into the market. This kind of patent application is not as formal and doesn’t require an entire patent claim. It gives an earlier priority date, which is crucial in the world of competitive inventions. The hiring of a patent attorney to help with a preliminary cost to patent app anywhere from £3000 to £10,000 or more, based on the nature of the invention as well as the knowledge of the attorney.
Non-Provisional Patent
A non-provisional application for patents is essential to obtain full patent protection. It must be filed within a year from the date of the provisional patent in order to keep its priority. The application must contain a complete and precise explanation of the invention with specific claims outlining the protections being sought. The estimated cost to patent app that are not provisional can range between £10,000 and £20,000. This is subject to the invention’s complexity and the legal support required.
Knowing the two types and the cost to patent app is essential to designing your patent strategy and providing complete protection of your invention.
How to Know Whether Your Mobile App is Eligible for a Patent?
Let’s look at the scenarios in which you may patent mobile applications:
Your App Must be Unique
Patents are only granted to innovative and original ideas. If your app is an improvement of an existing idea or has extra features that are not part of a patentable idea, it doesn’t qualify. Conducting thorough research and Prior art research search are vital in order to make sure your app offers something fresh.
Your App Must be an Invention, Not Just a Concept
A program must show an invention in technology for it to be protected by patent. Your application may be eligible to be protected by a patent in the event that it uses a unique method or method or feature that thinks outside the box to address the problem. It’s not enough to duplicate an existing design with minor modifications.
Your App Cannot be a Clone or Simple Modification
Mobile application development is filled with similar apps. Your app won’t be patent-worthy in the event that it’s a copy or an extensively altered version of an existing application. In other words, adding minor functions on top of an established social media application or an e-commerce application won’t make it patentable. You must have a distinctive technological breakthrough in the software.
How to Patent A Mobile App: Steps To Follow
Patenting an idea for an app is a legal process. Therefore, there are specific steps to take in order to get the intellectual property rights on your mobile app’s assets.
Find and Consult A Patent Lawyer
Patent applications are an expensive litigation process. It is essential to submit everything in a clearly defined and written format to get a smooth acceptance of your application. This is why you must look for an attorney for patents or a legal professional with years of experience with the process of patenting. The person you choose to consult with will help and lead you through the process until you are able to patent your idea and then be granted your patent.
Choose the Patent Authority
Each country has its own public body or legal authority that grants patent rights to intellectual property. Their procedures and policies for patent applications may differ from one another. So, based on the location you reside in or your preferences, select the authority you’d apply for your patent application for mobile applications.
Prepare With All The Requirements
As we have discussed earlier, the process you can patent your app concept is various steps that are crucial and lots of paperwork. It is necessary to organise numerous documents and legal documents. Before you begin making an official application, make sure you are prepared with everything listed in accordance with the current patent policy. In order to do this, you will need to check with the relevant patent authority.
Do An In-Depth Patent Research
Conduct a thorough investigation to determine if your idea is available for sale and has been patented in addition. This will help ensure that the idea or concept that you wish to patent is exclusive and has not been patented by any other person. In order to do this, be sure to explain the app’s details to your team of developers and your patent attorney.
They can assist you to make sure there aren’t any similar concepts in the marketplace you plan to patent. But, this is the point where many app developers make mistakes by not providing the correct information regarding their app. This results in a bad decision. Thus, app developers must be able to present their app’s concept to the development team.
Determine The Type of Patent Application
As we discussed earlier there are two ways to apply for patent application-provisional and non-provisional patent application. Based on your needs and project’s scope, you can choose which type of application is suitable for you, whether the patent is non-provisional or provisional. Be aware that every type of patent application is different in terms of rules and provisions. This is why you must carefully decide on it prior to proceeding to the formal procedure.
File Your Patent Application
Once you have all the necessary information and ready, you must file your patent application to the USPTO, WIPO or other patent offices that you have been recommended. The process of filing a patent can be a long and difficult procedure. Therefore, enlisting the help of your attorney for patents will help ease the procedure. After you have submitted the application form it is now time to wait for the patent to be approved.
What is the Cost to Patent App?
Are you considering patenting your mobile app idea? If yes, the cost to patent app is one of the primary aspects to be considered.
Cost to Patent App
The cost of registering mobile apps can vary greatly, based on a variety of aspects. One of the biggest aspects is the complexity of your application. The more complicated your app is, the longer and effort you’ll need to create an application for a patent. Different kinds of patents will have various costs associated with their use.
Provisional applications for patents are usually cheaper than a non-provisional patent application. A provisional patent application offers temporary protection of your invention while you finish your non-provisional patent application.
The cost to file a provisional patent application could vary from £1,500 to £3,500. But, remember that this will only provide temporary protection. You’ll have a more permanent request in the next 12 months, if you need protection for the long term.
Non-provisional patents are priced between £5,000 and £15,000 or more, based on the scope of your invention as well as the amount of work that must be handled through your lawyer.
Legal Fees for Patenting an App
Alongside the cost to patent app in themselves and legal costs associated with the process of the preparation and submission of an application for patent. The hourly rate for lawyers with expertise in Intellectual Property Law could be as low as £150 per hour, up to £400 or more per hour.
The amount you pay for legal services will depend on the amount of work must be performed by your attorney to obtain the patent application. For instance:
- The process of drafting and submitting a preliminary patent can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours.
- The process of drafting and submitting a non-provisional patent could take between 40 and 60 hours or longer.
It’s essential to collaborate with an attorney with experience in patent law. They will guide you through the process of submitting the patent. They can also assist in ensuring that all expenses associated with patenting your application are recorded and controlled.
Maintenance Fees
After you’ve received patent rights, there are regular maintenance fees you’ll be required to pay for your patent to remain in force. The fees can mount up in time and can be between a few hundred to thousands of pounds a year.
Maintenance fees are due at specific times throughout the duration of your patent, which is why it’s important to incorporate these expenses into the overall budget you have for the patenting of your app concept.
Factors Influencing the Cost to Patent App
The process of determining the benefits of a patent application requires studying a variety of factors that could dramatically impact the cost to patent app. These elements form the financials necessary to maintain the security of intellectual property and emphasise the importance of strategic planning.
Complexity of the App
The level of complexity of an app is among the main factors that determine the cost to patent app. Apps that are complex, progressive features or cutting-edge technology require special patent packages that include every aspect of components of web design and operation.
For instance, an application using blockchain or artificial intelligence could require additional details and illustrations, which can drive the cost of preparation and filing. A thorough patent search is crucial to ensure the originality of your app and reduce expenses. For companies looking to create web-based applications or develop unique packages, working with experts like Bestech‘s provides solid technical guidance and conformity with patenting requirements.
Geographical Scope
The geographical scope of the patent plays an important role in determining the cost. Filing for protection in one country is considerably less costly than requesting international patents. However, companies that are targeting international markets often opt for multi-jurisdictional plans that need separate filings for each UK or nearby.
For example, getting the patent for a mobile application for China, the UK, European Union and China is a great process and charges, with the potential to increase costs to £20,000. Businesses can benefit from skilled guidance from experts at Bestech to simplify worldwide patent filings and cut down on difficulties.
Patent Type
The nature of the patent significantly affects the overall cost. In the different categories, patents for software development services, which protect the capabilities of an application and provide technological improvements, are typically the most expensive. This is because of the requirement of extensive technical descriptions and claims that define the features of the app.
In contrast, layout patents represent the app’s visual elements and are generally more affordable. If you’re wondering what an app patent for mobile devices costs, the decision between the two patents is to be carefully considered based solely on the app’s specific features and goals in the marketplace.
Legal Expertise
Finding qualified patent attorneys is crucial to ensure a smooth application process, but it increases the expense of patenting an application. Attorneys are vital in preparing specific documentation, undertaking patent searches and addressing design capacity-demanding legal situations. The fees for certified experts range between £250 and £500 per hour, with the overall legal professional costs ranging from £5,000 and £15,000, based on the application’s complexity.
Their knowledge increases the chances of approval and reduces rejections, which makes them successful in financing. If you’re asking, how much does it cost to patent app?
The value of a standard patent ranges from £5,000 for the most essential filings, to £20,000 for world-wide patents. Knowing these aspects is essential for companies who are trying to figure out the number of patent fees for mobile apps.
Exploring the Alternatives of Patents
Let’s close this blog by examining alternatives you could choose. Patent protection is only one method to safeguard your intellectual property.
Trademark
Trademarks safeguard the identification trademarks (words logos, words, etc.) that identify the origin of the item. It also protects the name of the company. Business success is much more than acquiring a technological innovation that no one else does. Businesses often outperform their competitors by virtue of a strong image. Trademarks are a means to protect this.
Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA)
A NDA can be described as an arrangement that you can sign in conjunction with an app developer company that keeps them from divulging sensitive information about your application. It protects against developers who create a similar product to compete.
Copyright
Copyright is a kind of IP protection that applies automatically to any design or artwork. You don’t need to submit a request for your work to be copyrighted, however it will help you in legal issues.
Patent Your App Idea and Build Robust Mobile App With Bestech Experts
Achieving a patent on the app you want to develop is only the beginning. Bringing it to life using a robust performance, efficient application is what makes you stand out!
At Bestech, a renowned android app development agency in UK, we don’t just safeguard your invention; we turn it into a commercially viable and feature-rich mobile app that is distinctive.
- End-to-End Development: From concept to the moment of launch We cover it all.
- Modern technology: AI, blockchain, IoT and much more to improve your application.
- Custom Solutions: Secure, scalable and customised to meet the needs of your business.
- Specialist Guidance: Patent consultation and legal protection assistance.
Have an app that you have patent-pending? Let’s transform it into a reality! Contact Bestech now!
Conclusion
Patenting a mobile application is a clever and long-lasting way to protect your innovative idea. It does not just stop your competitors from copying or stealing your mobile application. However, it also assists in establishing your credibility on the market with the official right to patent.
However, since registering an app idea requires a lot of cost, time and is a waste of time It is advised for businesses who have a big-scale project intended for the future and are able to afford the expense to patent an app idea.
FAQs
Do you have the ability to patent an app concept?
Patenting an idea for an app is possible provided that it meets certain criteria which include being unique, not obvious, useful and non-obvious. It is recommended to consult an attorney for patents to determine whether your app idea is worthy of a patent.
How much does it cost to patent app?
There isn’t a specific estimate because the price is contingent on a variety of variables. However, in general the cost to patent app could range approximately £2,000 to £5,000 when filing the provisional patent.
How can you patent an app for mobile?
Patenting cannot be limited to an idea, but only the technical and practical aspects of the application. You could be eligible for an application for a patent if the app is based on an exclusive algorithm or process.
What is patentable in an app concept?
Every new and undiscovered invention that has a purposeful use and the potential to create healthy businesses can be patentable. The elements that are covered by a patent could comprise composition, manufacturing process or machine, tool or plant, a new species of plant or an upgrade on an already existing technology. All of these inventions and products should be in line with regulations of the government for the patent to be granted.
