Shireen Smith (from YouTube) - Part 2 - I have an Idea for an App, How to Protect it?

What’s the best way to protect an idea? How do you make sure that your app idea is secure when you’re trying to find the right developer to create it? In this episode, we talk about all the ways you can protect your idea in the early stages of development.

Topics discussed:

• What you can do to protect your idea during the initial stage of development.
• Things to remember when choosing the right developer.
• The importance of having an agreement with the developers that protects you.
• Ways you can protect your app after it’s developed. 

Key Takeaways:

• Confidentiality is the only way to protect a mere idea. It’s easy to get excited about a new idea and want to share it with others. Keep the idea for your app confidential when discussing it with people and developers. 
• When interviewing a number of developers to find the best one to work on your project, you should have a different idea to discuss with them so you won’t be hampered with needing a non-disclosure agreement to protect your main idea. 
• It’s up to you to make sure that the agreement with the developer protects you. If there is no agreement between you and the developer then the law automatically gives the developer the copyright in the app because they created it.

Action Steps:

• Develop the habit of being selective about who you reveal your ideas to. Do not discuss your idea with developers right away. 
• Do thorough research on the developers you’re interviewing and make sure you read through their terms of business and legal agreements. Key things to look out for include: Their past experience, client references and testimonials, and how they charge.
• Make sure that you secure copyright from the developer in writing before you commit to engaging in their services. Otherwise, you will not own the copyright in the app.

Shireen said:

“Confidentiality is the only way to protect a mere idea at this stage. If you have an idea for an app, chances are the first thing you’ll want to do is to find someone to develop it for you. I’d advise against discussing the idea with any developers though.”

“Every idea will involve different intellectual property considerations. Some will highlight design protection, you know others may involve a patent protection and yet others will involve copyright. All concepts provide an opportunity to develop a brand.”

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