Should I trademark my app?

By filing a trademark application as early as possible in your development process, you're protecting your name, the hard work will you put into building equity into that name, and, if you choose to offer a paid product, you gain protection over your potential revenues – making it more than worth your while to register ...

Do you copyright or trademark an app?

1. Your mobile application—like all written code—is a literary work protected by the United States Copyright Act. The Copyright Act protects “original works of authorship” fixed in a tangible medium.

Can you trademark a mobile app?

Trademarks are designed to protect the consumer-facing markings and brands that identify the source of your goods and services. In the case of a software platform or mobile app, this can include the name of the mobile app or the app developer, any slogans or taglines, and the unique logos and icons.

How much does it cost to trademark an app?

Again, while each application is unique, a typical non-provisional patent application for a mobile application may cost between $12,500 to $17,500 to prepare and file (plus the USPTO filing fees of $430 or $785 depending on whether the client qualifies as a micro entity or a small entity).

Is it worth getting a trademark?

It is a good idea to register your trademark to protect yourself against an infringement suit, to add value to your company, to put your competitors and the public on notice of your rights in your own brand and to strengthen the legal protection of your mark.

3 Steps to Trademark an App Name

Can you make money off a trademark?

But registering a trademark isn't just an opportunity for entrepreneurs to preserve all of their hard work from getting used by another company – it's another way to make money too. Some trademarks are worth billions. Google's trademark value totals a whopping $44.3 billion. Microsoft's comes in at $42.8 billion.

What is the cheapest way to trademark?

The basic cost to trademark a business name ranges from $225 to $600 per trademark class. This is the cost to submit your trademark application to the USPTO. The easiest and least expensive way to register your trademark is online, through the USPTO's Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).

Can I patent an app idea?

Can You Patent an App? The short answer is yes. Apps can be patented, though they must meet the same criteria of novelty that other products are judged by. "Whenever you come up with a new idea, the fundamental question is 'What's new?'

How long does trademark last?

Life of a trade mark

Your trade mark registration lasts for ten years from its filing date. You can renew your trade mark registration 12 months before your renewal is due, or up to six months after.

What is the difference between copyright and trademark?

A trademark is a word, symbol, design, or phrase that denotes a specific product and differentiates it from similar products. Copyrights protect “original works of authorship,” such as writings, art, architecture, and music.

How do I protect my app name?

How do I protect my mobile apps?

How do I copyright an app name?

The recommended method of filing a federal trademark application is to use the online Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) located at the PTO's website (www.uspto.gov). TEAS is an interactive system in which the user is asked a series of questions.

Do I need an LLC to create an app?

Yes. An LLC will give you personal liability protection against potential business risks as well as give your app development business more tax options and credibility. It is relatively inexpensive and simple to form and maintain an LLC. Learn more about app development LLC benefits.

Can you lose a trademark if you don't protect it?

You can lose your exclusive proprietary interest in a mark if it is not properly defended. Although a trademark can be recognized at common law, your best protection comes from using a registrable mark and getting it registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

What trademark Cannot be registered?

Section 13 and 14 of the Act provides that trademarks containing specific names cannot be registered. Trademarks which have a word that is commonly used of any single chemical element or chemical compound in relation to a chemical substance or preparation cannot be registered.

Do I have to trademark my logo?

To protect your logo, you need a trademark or service mark (trademarks are generally used for products, while service marks are usually applied to services). You should not copyright or patent a logo design.

How can I legally protect an app idea?

Where can I sell my app?

Is a phone app patentable?

Mobile Apps are patentable when they are: (1) directed to something more than an abstract idea; (2) include features or functions that are new; and (3) those new features or functions must not have been obvious to someone skilled in the relevant area of technology at the time the patent application was filed.

Can I trademark a name for free?

Can I trademark a name for free? You can not register a trademark for free. However, you can establish something known as a "common law trademark" for free, simply by opening for business.

What's the difference between LLC and trademark?

Legal Protection

LLCs and trademarks are each an integral part of the business world, but both serve different purposes. While LLCs are legal business entities that protect the personal assets of business owners from lawsuits and bankruptcies, trademarks protect the intellectual property of the business.

How can I trademark my logo for free?

Can you trademark your logo for free? You can not register a trademark for free. However, what you can do is establish something known as a "common law trademark" for free. You can do this by simply opening for business.

What is the most valuable trademark?

Why do I need to trademark?

Trademarking is an important step for protecting your brand identity. It will stop competitors from poaching your customers by imitating your brand. It can also offer you some protection if those copycats do something reputation-damaging.