It has been a long time since we stepped into the world of mobile apps and developed our first app. Yeah! It's true that the new and fresh idea excite the majority of users for app development, especially when they are trying out some new devices and gadgets. This leads the app stores to have innumerable applications.
The App Store is flooded with 4 billion+ applications and the figures are expected to cross 5 billion by 2018. This gives a clear indication that mobile industry has a wide potential. This is the reason why startups jump into mobile app development to unlock uncovered opportunities. They have a mindset to launch an app with unique features and functionalities, that drives them towards success. But, hold on! Having an app idea is not enough. Remember, a splendid app idea is always wrapped up in risk. An app idea is always endangered by the theft of being imitated or to be precise, being hacked. So, how to prevent someone else peeking in your basket of ideas? To help you prevent this, here are some practices that will protect your app idea from being stolen.
- Give A “Copyright” Tag To Your Application
Copyright is one of the most common and basic alternatives used by a majority of people to protect their intellectual property but this approach showcases major drawbacks too. You cannot protect your entire application by copyrighting the app. Yes, of course, the code and the UI elements can be copyrighted but that can be useful only if any business steals your entire app. If they try to steal a part or feature of your app, then this approach fails. Overall, it is a relatively cheaper option as compared to others and provides primary level protection to your app.
- NDA
Perhaps, it is one of the most common approaches adopted by most app development companies to protect their app ideas. Though you are hiring developers, designers, testers, or business managers, make sure that you sign an NDA agreement before beginning any project endeavors. Engage with the best lawyer to prepare an NDA to serve a purpose.
- Make ssure To Include NCC (Non-Compete Clause)
An NCC agreement is generally signed with an aim that a person will not reveal trade secrets to the opponent party. It restricts developers form working on another project that is directly going to compete with yours. The catch here is that developers cannot involve themselves technically in any other project for certain time period regardless of their work completion. Also, it is quite hard to find such a dedicated developer that is willing to sign this document.
- Documentation is Your Savior
Keep everything in writing. Keep all related project proofs arranged in your files. This proof will be of great help when you need to prove your point in a court of law. However, in the case of small or minute information, just draft it. Keep app code, phone call logs, brainstorming session time logs, messages, and meeting logs - in short, everything, with you. Ensure that nothing important is missed out that could get you in trouble.
- Boundary Launch and Distribution Rights
Once your application is developed and ready to be launched in the app market, the real headache begins. Do not allow any random app development company to upload apps from your account. You can set up your account and use your credentials to upload the app. Another alternative to be considered is to register an account under your details and provide temporary access to the company that is working for you. After launch, just change the access rights - as simple as that.
Wrap Up
Don't sacrifice your sleep after such hard work, just by getting anxious that your idea will be stolen. Instead, take the necessary steps and move ahead with app development. Stay tuned with me for more app updates. Happy coding!