Patent an APP

[MbyzIco]

Hello, I am evaluating patenting an idea for an app, which I have been working on for some time, as a final result in the medium term of the ICO that I have been developing.

I understand that there is a procedure whereby you put the patent pending for 12 months, period during which you must complete the documentation, I do not understand well if I must complete the project or the documentation of it.

From here my doubts are born, what should be the proper procedure to start the process? Where should it be patented to have greater coverage and protection? How much can the cost be and finally, if someone has had experience in this type of things, what recommendation do they have?

[1713288192]

1713288192

[1713288192]

1713288192

[AT101ET]

Patent laws vary by country. What country are you trying to file in?
I assume the timeframe you’re referring to doesn’t relate to completing the project. Most patents are there to protect work which takes significantly longer.
There are also lots of free resources online that you can refer to for an idea of the process and what it involves (timelines, requirements etc).

[Tudors]

Hello, I am evaluating patenting an idea for an app, which I have been working on for some time, as a final result in the medium term of the ICO that I have been developing.

I understand that there is a procedure whereby you put the patent pending for 12 months, period during which you must complete the documentation, I do not understand well if I must complete the project or the documentation of it.

From here my doubts are born, what should be the proper procedure to start the process? Where should it be patented to have greater coverage and protection? How much can the cost be and finally, if someone has had experience in this type of things, what recommendation do they have?

Don't know about patent cost, but I know that the cost of a trademark registered in 3 international classes across EU is about 3000 USD. Don't think that patent (which you want to get) will cost much more.

[AT101ET]

I’ve looked into this slightly more and it seems that patenting an app is quite difficult. Most patents require there to be novelty/innovative elements which is difficult to prove with a mobile application unless it something truly revolutionary. Again, better to get a feel and advice from an IP lawyer but just a heads up.
Also take into consideration the cost and length of the process involved which will do little to deter copycat apps from appearing online.

[MbyzIco]

Thanks for the comments, I have been looking to patent in the United States, and the average cost ranges between 3,000 and 5,000 USD.
In this case, it is a unique product or offer that does not currently exist in the market, so I would like to protect it from communicating it, that is why I believe I must patent it before making it public.

[Initscri]

Thanks for the comments, I have been looking to patent in the United States, and the average cost ranges between 3,000 and 5,000 USD.
In this case, it is a unique product or offer that does not currently exist in the market, so I would like to protect it from communicating it, that is why I believe I must patent it before making it public.

Your best bet is to hire a patent lawyer, who will go through all of the routes & paperwork with you. You may also wish to file the patent in more countries than the US (EU, Canada, etc).

If you do want to go through it yourself, be prepared to spend a lot of time learning (no doubt it's a good skill to have though).
Maybe start here?: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/getting-patent-yourself-29493.html