A patent is an exclusive right granted to protect and secure an invention. In simple words, a patent is an exclusive right to a product, process, or an app that generally provides a new way of doing something or provides a unique technical solution to a given problem. Acquiring a patent requires disclosure of all the technical information to the public in a patent application.

In order to invent an app, the first step is to have a clear idea of what you want. An App is nothing but a digital representation of your business idea so that it reaches to your targeted audience. The next step is to decide a name for your app. For example, if it is a technology app then it should sound like one and not some food ordering app. The third step is to contact an app developer or a team of app developers to set your plan into action. You can even invent an app by yourself if you have the relevant skills.

Firstly, keep a written record of your invention by documenting it. Secondly, make sure that your invention qualifies for Patent Protection. You can hire an attorney who will show you the USPTO’s database to conduct a preliminary check. The third step is to assess the commercial potential of your patent so that it won’t get rejected by the authorities. And lastly, prepare and file an application with the USPTO to begin the process.

You can sell your App idea if it is compelling and has the potential to provide value to someone. You need to formulate a distinct business concept by analyzing the pros and cons of competitor’s solutions along with defining the various advantages of your app compared to others. You also need to make sure that your idea is unique and not conflict with the previously invented app ideas. Therefore, you will have to put a lot of efforts to construct a business plan and present it to those who are ready to invest in your vision.

With these steps you can protect your app:

• Get a non-disclosure agreement
• Start the process of developing your app
• Make your freelancer sign over any copyright to you
• Register a trademark for the name and logo of your app
• Fill a patent
• Protect yourself from infringing the work of others

If you have an app idea, then the first thing you need to do is to conduct preliminary research to frame a business model or a prototype. Next thing is to decide the number of partners or co-founders. After that, the development phase comes into place in which you either hire an in-house team or outsource your work to someone. When development is done the next step is testing to ensure the proper functioning of the app. lastly, publish your app to the app store/play store and construct a robust marketing roadmap for your app.

The cost to develop an app depends upon various factors such as the app's complexity, the number of integrations, the hiring process, team location, and the number of platforms (i.e. Android or iOS or both). If you want to know a clear estimation of the cost, you need to tell all of the proposed app's functions and business objectives to your development team.