Can I trademark or copyright an app idea? Or do I need a patent? It's a simple database, so I'm afraid anyone in my niche could duplicate it
One company in particular with deep pockets may be able to duplicate this easily. It's in fitness industry. Not sure if copyright or trademark will protect me. May need intl patent (global reach) and I want all my legal ducks in a row. Is intl patent expensive?
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Your options are to file a copyright application to protect the program code and/or to file a utility patent application to protect the functionality of the program.
International or PCT applications can be costly at the front end but can save costs at the back end.
Michael A. Shimokaji
SHIMOKAJI & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
8911 Research Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 788-9961
direct (949) 788-9968
fax (949) 788-9969
skype - ma.shimokaji
www.shimokaji.com
BETTERING LIFE THROUGH CREATIVE IDEAS
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You can copyright the code for the app to protect the software from being copied. The name of the software can be protected by a trademark application. You should also patent the idea through do-it-yourself software such as PowerPatent's ProvisionalBuilder software at www.powerpatent.com
Bao Tran
408-528-7490
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Greetings,
Please give me a call or send me an email
to discuss. My contact information is below.
All my best,
REL
Ryan E. Long, Esq.
Sanders Long LLP
t 212 360 0394 f 646 349 1254
419 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10003-7033
www.sanderslong.com
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There are several tools in the legal toolbox of intellectual property, and it's a matter of creative choice to decide how to deploy them in any particular business situation. When you add the "international" aspect, you're doing the equivalent of moving from "chess" to "3-dimensional chess" and costs escalate correspondingly. Patents are most expensive of the legal tools, and potentially the most problematic.
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You should file a copyright application for the source code (best do it within 3 months of the app release) and file a trademark application for the app name (first check that it is in fact available).
Check our my article on the topic at http://momswithapps.com/2012/01/08/legal-considerations-for-mobile-app-developers/
Let me know if you would like to discuss. Good luck!
Arina
arina@shulgalaw.com
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Hi,
It is smart to register the code itself with the US copyright office.
You can learn about our copyirhgt service here:
http://www.lanternlegal.com/copyrights.php
Trademark protects the brand (business name, product name, logo, tagline, etc). If you are planning on taking this to market yourself then trademark is a crucial part of the plan:
http://www.lanternlegal.com/trademarks.php
Patent will require a discussion. Contact me for a free consult anytime.
Best,
Frank
LanternLegal.com
866-871-8655