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Applying for a patent might be a long and tedious process, but an important one if you want to protect your intellectual property

So, you have come up with a great mobile app idea, and you want to protect your idea with a patent. What do you need to do, then?

First, you need to know that applying for a patent is a very detailed, often tedious process. However, you can make it easier by knowing some key things about the patenting process. When entrepreneurs ask me how to patent a mobile app idea, this is what I tell them:

1. Do a patent search or app idea search

Often, a simple Google search will tell you if a similar app already exists. If you can find an app with features and functions similar to yours in the App Store, then your chances of getting a patent will be grim.

If you plan to file your patent in the US, you should also search the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO.gov) website to see if a patent already exists. You can search using different keywords and descriptions to make sure nothing closely similar to your idea exists. The same goes when filing a patent in other jurisdictions. The Intellectual Patent Office of Singapore has its own eSearch functionality.

If you don’t find anything similar, then you are in a good position to apply for a patent. If you find something that is somewhat close to your app idea, you may need to modify your idea to make it unique. You can hire a patent lawyer to do a search for you. They don’t charge too much for searching, but you can usually do as good or a better job yourself.

Also Read: 9 pieces of patent advice you should hear before you apply

Google, App Stores and USPTO are good sources to search when you apply for a patent, because the patent office will also search into these databases to find a match.

2. Create design documentation for your app idea

Once you find that no similar app idea exists, you will need to document your idea. Essentially, that means you need to describe the design, features and functions of your app in a document that will be submitted with your patent application.

Your app’s documentation will precisely describe what is unique about your app. You should also create wireframes and flow charts for your application. Wireframes can show what your app screen’s may look like in terms of data, flow and features. You can also create a flow diagram to describe key flow and usage of your application.

If you are not capable of doing this yourself, you can hire an app design or app development company to do it for you. You can also hire a UI/UX designer to create more advanced design documentation. This will often help you get faster approval from the patent office. All files and documents should be in a PDF format.

3. File for a provisional patent

Once you have assembled your documentation, you should file for a provisional patent, which is easier to file. You can do it yourself right on the USPTO.gov website. You won’t have to hire an expensive patent lawyer to do this. You’ll just need to pay the $65 online application fee to do it.

Once you submit the application online, you will get a provisional, one-year patent, during which you can convert your idea into reality.

4. Convert your provisional patent into a non-provisional patent

If, during your one year of provisional patent coverage, you determine that your idea is likely to be a success, you will want to apply for a non-provisional patent. This process can be more tedious than the provisional patent process. However, you can find all the information you will need on the  USPTO website.

Also Read: Does PayTM’s logo look similar to PayPal? PayPal thinks YES!

You may, at this point, want to hire a patent lawyer to file your patent application for you, especially if you have seen some success with your app in the market. If success appears likely, you may want to hire a professional to make sure your application goes smoothly.

The takeaway: Protect your intellectual property

Applying for a patent is long, detailed process, but if you follow the well-detailed steps in the process, you will be able to minimise the costs.  The USPTO has made its website very simple and easy to navigate. You can even contact them if you have any questions about the process.

After patent you can think about developing your app here, you can also check out how much it costs to create an app.

From Visually.

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