mobile app patent

[omolade]

i understand that its possible to patent an application. how do i do this without the fear of my idea been taken in the process of developing the app, afterall i am only able to patent an idea i can show its workability.

[Brad]

I am not sure if I fully understand your question.    If you are worried about someone else steeling your idea while you are still developing the app then you should file a patent application (either a provisional patent application or a full non-provisional application) first, even before you have created the app.

There is no rule that says you have to have a working app or a working prototype before you file a patent so many times people file their patent application first and then start working on developing the app or prototype.

[omolade]

thanks Brad,
just to be sure i understand you. i just have an idea of a software application that can be developed and used as a mobile app and on websites, are you saying that i could file a PPA or a NPPA for the app as a product before i start developing the app?
thanks.

[Brad]

Yes.  You can file the patent application before you start developing the app.   However, you should be able to explain in detail how the app will work.  Do a search online for similar patents on apps and software processes to see how much detail is needed.  Here is my guide on patent searching:

https://patentfile.org/how-to-search-provisional-patents/

[omolade]

thanks Brad.
that is really helpful.