Apple Possibly Have Taken Control of ‘AirTag’ Trademark

Apple Possibly Have Taken Control of ‘AirTag’ Trademark

Rumors of an Apple-branded tile-like tracking device have been circulating for months, and now it appears that the device could be named as AirTag. References to AirTag found within the iOS 13.2 update hints that this tile-like device may appear very soon. Apart from a lot of rumors about this device, a trademark for ‘AirTag’ has also been found. According to several reports, a Russian firm filed a Trademark Application for ‘AirTag’ in October 2018.

Filed with USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office), the application appears very similar to what people have been expecting Apple to reveal for some time. It includes systems of radio frequency identification (RFID) comprised of RFID tags in the form of cards, key rings, tags. It also encompasses RFID markers in the form of RFID signal receivers, downloadable software for operating RFID readers, blank smart cards with ICs (integrated circuits), etc. All these systems and things are intended to be designed for enabling users to identify them automatically for obtaining keyless access control over interlocking doors and various services like public transportation, social events, banking, and more.

After a few back-and-forths, the application was approved in August 2019. Following that, the links to Apple begun to appear on 28th August. On 28th August 2019, when an official notice stating that the same application would be published on 17th September 2019 has been provided, the attorney representing the trademark application changed to the Moscow office of Baker & McKenzie, a firm with which Apple has worked on several occasions and in different countries.

Indeed, that wasn’t the application’s final resting place. Instead, around one month later, i.e., on 1st October 2019, it moved again and has been officially transferred to a company named as GPS Avion LLC. It is a firm that was just created in July 2019 and appeared to have no public presence. GPS Avion LLC was created in Delaware by the Corporation Trust Company, which is a process Apple has deployed quite a few times to build shell companies to hide its identity while dealing with Intellectual Property (IP) issues.

Nevertheless, none of the facts finally confirms that Apple holds the trademark for AirTag, but they altogether do show that someone does. Besides, the use of AirTag by Apple in iOS 13.2 generates high possibilities that the company is related to Apple in one or the other way.

Undoubtedly, the recent media event that had held in October hadn’t mentioned anything about AirTags or Tile-like features, but considering iOS 13.2 references the new tracking accessory, we expect that AirTags would be announced soon, possibly even this week. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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How Can Blockchain Help in Monetizing Intellectual Property?

How Can Blockchain Help in Monetizing Intellectual Property?

With the advent of the internet that made it possible for online data to flow freely from one part of the globe to another, content creators nowadays can have global audiences. Although the free flow of content has opened countless opportunities for content creators, it many times results in piracy and Copyright Infringement issues. That’s why content creators in the present digital era have a hard time monetizing their content even when they strive to prove ownership of the same. Nevertheless, continuous technological advancements have come up with technology like blockchain that can help creators to monetize their unique content, i.e., Intellectual Property (IP).

From novel music to artistic works and unique inventions, IP encompasses a wide range of things. The appropriate use and sale of these assets can let you make millions of dollars. On the other hand, it is quite easy to have these assets stolen and monetized without your consent or knowledge in the current age. Hence, there is a need for something that can assist you to extract benefits out of your IP without letting someone infringe on it. Blockchain is one of the safest sources to enjoy the profits of using your IP deprived of facing copyright infringement. So now, the question arises ‘how blockchain can help in monetizing IP?’

In What Ways can Blockchain Assist to Monetize IP?

In general, there are several ways in which the blockchain technology can enable you to monetize your IP. Nonetheless, the first and most efficient one is the use of smart contracts. Embedding smart contract to your IP will make blockchain technology to execute a license for its use. For instance, if you are a photographer, then blockchain will trigger the automatic payment in regards to the set terms every time people access your photos. The technology will also aid you in proper scaling of the compensations. If a large corporation, for example, uses your photos, the smart contract will scale the payment and make sure that you receive the correct compensation for your work.

Besides, blockchain facilitates you to bypass the middlemen, thus raising the revenue you generate from your content. Middlemen, like popular streaming platforms, perform a task of dictating the amount of money content creators generate from their work. The past years uncover a lot of cases where the middlemen held responsible for providing the content creators with revenue much lesser than they expected. With blockchain technology that provides the creators with a full charge of their content, they can easily get to decide what their art worth. It further allows universal cross-platform monetization of your data. In recent times when various platforms compete for domination and market share at the expense of content creators, this technology would let you earn more and more money, regardless of the platform through which viewers consume your content.

Apart from aiding you in making profits like earn more money and save financial resources on getting agents to manage your IP, blockchain technology also works to prohibit content piracy, one of the biggest challenges creators often encounter. The pirates could use the stolen, i.e., copied content as content distributors, and thus, get payments for its distribution. In this way, they can turn the profits or revenue that should reach you towards them. Undoubtedly, blockchain empowers you to keep your gains only to you by prohibiting infringers from violating your IP.

Final Thoughts

Although blockchain technology is the best way to monetize your IP, it demands efforts on your part to ensure the excellent possible outcomes. As the ability of this technology to monetize IP depends on the blockchain networks and elements you decide to use, it is crucial to be cautious while opting for the same. There are many sources available in the form of enterprises, departments, etc., that deal in rendering blockchain services to help you monetize your content without any hassle. So, why to take risks? With real-time transactions and low financial investment support of blockchain technology, enjoy monetizing your content effortlessly while keeping it safe against infringers. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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Where Does India Rank in Global Intellectual Property Filings?

Where Does India Rank in Global Intellectual Property Filings?

Due to the rapidly growing technology making it easy to generate new ideas, create unique products, and enhance creativity, almost every individual and organization is striving to come up with something that can profit them. Nevertheless, this phenomenon results in increasing the competition that, in turn, leads to issues like copying and infringement of one another’s valuable assets. In this instance, Intellectual Property Protection appears as the best source to keep a person’s assets secure, and this is why Intellectual Property (IP) filing activities are continuously growing. Indeed, almost every nation in the world is witnessing an increase in IP filings. For instance, India, with a remarkable rise in trademark, industrial design, and patent filings, has achieved the top tenth rank among 49 countries positioned based on the total IP filing (resident and abroad) activities. As per the reports, the nation saw a hike of more than 20% in trademark filings, 13.6% in the industrial design fillings, and 7.5% in the applications for getting Patent Protection.

When it comes to overall, i.e., global upsurge in the IP filings, patent applications exceeded 3.3 million, which represents a growth of 5.2% in comparison to 2017. Trademark Applications totaled 14.3 million, up 15.5%, and Industrial Design filing projects amounted to 1.3 million. With around 50% of the total IP filings, including trademarks, designs, and patents, China has made the maximum increase in the global IP filings. In comparison to the IP applications filed in 2017, China observed over 160,400 more filings in the year 2018.

Though the second rank achiever – the US saw trademark filing activities rise by 4.3% yet a 1.6% decline in patent filings in 2018 is a concerning fact. It is the first fall that the country came across in the previous decade.

Asia has been developing as the universal hub for IP applications, according to Francis Gurry, WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) director-general.

Domestic Patent Applications, in India, reached 34% in 2018-19 from just 22% in 2013-14. As per the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) report – including, information technology (IT), computer science, and science, almost every industry is adding to the significant rise in overall IP filings of the country. For example – Wipro and TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) – the two IT firms were positioned at first and second place respectively while the seven-year-old-startup Hike was ranked third in terms of applying for patents in the field of IT. Moreover, the India-based Kalvin Bharti Mittal-led firm has filed 66 patents. Although the company till now has not revealed the reason behind filing such a wide range of patent applications, it has been working in the field of research and development (R&D), encompassing Computer Vision, Social Network Analysis, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). The recently launched Hike Patent Program by the firm focus on incentivizing its employees with grants and rewards besides giving legal and market directions to patent filers.

In addition to the firms mentioned above, several other enterprises and entrepreneurs are actively participating in patent filings in India. It puts light on the fact that the individuals, as well as companies, comprehend the crucial role intellectual property fillings play in their professional lives. Well, it enables them to knowingly or unknowingly contribute to the growth of the nation’s IP filings. Furthermore, the government is also realizing the importance of encouraging the citizens to come up with new inventions, designs, etc., and thus, go for more and more IP fillings. And to make this happen in large numbers, the departments are continuously making efforts; for example – the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has recently proposed a reduction to Rs. 1,600 from Rs. 4,000 in Patent filing fees for startups and MSMEs.

Finally, with the growing usage of the internet and technology and nearly 60% of the Indian population to be young minds, it is possible to bring the nation among the top five IP fillings countries in the world in the future. Nonetheless, as the boost in the innovations will increase the IP filings and vice-versa, it is not at all the responsibility of the government or citizens alone to make efforts for this. Instead, both should help each other as it is the matter of securing the entire country’s IP assets and filing ranking. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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TM and R: What Role These Trademark Symbols Play In IP Industry?

TM and R: What Role These Trademark Symbols Play In IP Industry?

Trademark, also written as trade-mark, is any word, name, design, symbol, or combination thereof used to indicate the source of products to identify and distinguish them from goods of others. Undoubtedly, the definition of this exclusive Intellectual Property Right (IPR) is clear to most of us, but what about the vital elements related to it. Besides, queries like whether you can use a specific mark and when can you file a trademark application, there are several areas of trademarks around which confusion abound. One remarkably confusing area is TM and R symbols. People often appear confused with what these two trademark symbols represent, when should one use them, etc.

What do TM and R Symbols Represent?

The TM symbol, which can be used by any individual or company, indicates that a particular word, logo, sign, or phrase is a trademark intended to work as an identifier for the source of the relevant product or service. To use a TM symbol, the owners don’t need to have a Registered Trademark. In general, many companies opt to use this symbol for new goods or services in advance of and during the Trademark Application Process.

On the contrary, the R symbol indicates that the specific word, phrase, logo, or sign is a Registered Trademark, and only the owner or licensee has the legal rights of ownership to use it. It must be used only in the regions in which the owner possesses a valid Trademark Registration.

Can TM and R Symbols be Used at Any Time?

The precise answer to this question is both yes and no. In the case of the first one, i.e., TM, where you want to use a word, phrase, sign, or logo as a trademark intending to identify your company as the source of products or services, you are free to do so any time. As per some privileges under the common law of many companies, you can use TM symbol without applying to register a trademark. However, it enables you to obtain the protection, which is quite lesser as compared to that you could have enjoyed as the owner of a registered trademark.

In cases where you don’t want to or unable to go for trademark registrations, the use of the TM symbol can be a strategic decision. It allows you to tell the public that you are using this brand as a trademark, which over an extended period, will become recognizable in the marketplace as an identifier for your business. Moreover, it also signifies that you have legalities to protect your brand in mind, and thus, ultimately act as a deterrent to severe Trademark Infringement.

On the other hand, the R symbol can never be used without successfully registering your trademark with the associated trademark office. The use of symbol R on the mark that has not been registered is a criminal offense. Doing so can leave you with penalties or behind bars. Hence, whenever you decide to use a trademark symbol, it is better to proceed after being aware of the rules related to that symbol. Although it is possible to obtain the required information from several sources, knowledgeable IP Lawyers can be the best option. They can provide you with precise info, clear your doubts, and assist you in getting rid of any legal concern if you have already misused any mark.

What Should Be the Location of TM and R Symbols?

The upper right corner of the sign, logo, or word is the most common place to put these two significant trademark symbols. Nevertheless, placement of the symbols on the bottom right corner is also acceptable in cases when placing them on the top don’t appear pleasing.

Bottom Line

Here at the end, you have a wealth of information about symbols TM and R that will help you to secure your valuable assets under the Trademark Protection. Recognize your needs and select the symbol that suits you. Although using the symbols even on the registered mark is not necessary, electing to use them is a good idea as it can prevent issues like infringement, and thus, limit the losses that you otherwise can come across. If you want to know about any other trademark symbol or more regarding these two, then consult an adept Intellectual Property Law Firm. Having years of experience in the Intellectual Property industry, they can serve you with the best possible guidance! For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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DPIIT Announces Launch of App for IPRs to Benefit SMEs and Startups

DPIIT Announces Launch of App for IPRs to Benefit SMEs and Startups

Recently, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) announced that it had developed a mobile application and website on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).

Launched by the Modi government on 14th October 2019, the dedicated website and app are aiming at making Indian startups and SMEs learn to protect and maximize their innovations.

According to a government press release, these dedicated tools have been developed by Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), DPIIT along with Qualcomm and National Law University (NLU), Delhi. By playing a remarkable role in enhancing the competitiveness of the businesses and opportunities to take technology products to market, Intellectual Property (IP) can be a road directing startups and SMEs to a successful destination.     

Guruprasad Mohapatra, secretary DPIIT, explained that as both the app and website will be useful to communities that hold a considerable promise for the country and its economy, this project appears very significant. Startups and SMEs are more harmonized into investment and risk-taking due to lack of legal knowledge, and today, when the nation is on the threshold of the fourth industrial revolution, the interface between law and technology is growing and therefore, it is crucial to be available with a specialized app and website to help enterprises with the IP processes.  

The press release also mentioned that the e-learning platforms – L2Pro India IP e-learning Website and the L2Pro India Mobile App are expected to help not just startups but even entrepreneurs, innovators, and small and medium industries to understand IPRs for their protection, integrate IP into their business models, and obtain value for their R&D (research and development) efforts.

The L2Pro has been successfully implemented in various nations, like Italy, UK (United Kingdom), Germany, and France benefiting from close collaboration with IP Firms and public research institutions. The learning app has been customized for India to ensure that innovations are protected, managed, and commercialized.

The L2Pro India IP e-learning platforms will be available with 11 modules for three different levels, covering Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each module would comprise e-text for understanding concepts, links to additional resources on the subject, short animated videos of the ideas, and quizzes for grading the learner’s knowledge and insight into the subject.

People can access these e-learning platforms through their desktop, laptop, mobile browser, and mobile app (on Android and iOS), and on successful completion of their e-learning modules, they will receive e-certificates by CIPAM-DPIIT, NLU, and Qualcomm. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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Facebook Faces Trademark Infringement Lawsuit over Calibra’s Logo

Facebook Faces Trademark Infringement Lawsuit over Calibra’s Logo

A mobile banking firm – Current has picked a Trademark Infringement battle against Facebook Inc. over the logo for its new digital wallet Calibra, with which the social media giant’s cryptocurrency project Libra has to deal with yet another issue.

Facebook introduced Calibra as the subsidiary that will oversee its cryptocurrency plans, including the development of a digital wallet.

According to the plaint submitted by Current in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on 10th October 2019, Calibra’s logo is confusingly similar and virtually identical to the mark that the plaintiff began using in August 2016.

Now, where the case turns more interesting is the fact that the designer of both logos is San Francisco branding firm – Character, named as a defendant in the current lawsuit. The complaint revealed ‘the logo designing company hadn’t informed Calibra that the logo it was providing to them appears identical to the logo it had designed for Current to use for banking services.’

It is still unclear how all that happened, but Current has filed an application relating to its logo on June 26th, some days after Facebook unveiled Calibra.

Current’s CEO Stuart Sopp said that the similarities in both logos are since Facebook introduced Calibra. He added that his company had worked with Character for around six months to get the logo. Facebook has all resources and money in the world, and if it has truly wanted to turn banking services more inclusive and fair, it should have come up with its ideas and branding, like his team. 

In its application for an injunction, Current said that all efforts like conversations through emails or over phone calls relating to a mutually acceptable resolution of the infringement matter had been unsuccessful. The plaintiff added that Facebook hadn’t responded to its letters objecting Calibra to use the infringing mark, thus compelling it to knock the door of the court to get preliminary and permanent injunctive and monetary reliefs. Appearing confusingly identical and virtually similar to Current’s logo, Calibra’s mark is resulting in irreparable damages to its reputation, goodwill, and market. Moreover, as the marketing channels that both companies use to advertise, market, and promote their services are the same, the infringed logo is likely to generate remarkable confusion and deception, Current explained. 

Concerning such news, Facebook’s Libra Association, the non-profit foundation formed to oversee the cryptocurrency, has been losing founding members. Following PayPal’s exit earlier this month, Stripe and eBay have decided not to support the Libra project anymore. Visa and Mastercard have also pulled their support out of the project before their first meeting in Geneva on 14th October 2019.

Observing stern resistance from regulators and others, the head of Facebook’s Calibra – David Marcus stressed that the social media giant would not proffer the Libra cryptocurrency until it has fully obtained appropriate approvals and addressed regulatory concerns. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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Microsoft Files Patent for a Possible Virtual Reality Vibrating Mat

Microsoft Files Patent for a Possible Virtual Reality Vibrating Mat

A new Patent Application filed by Microsoft with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) hints that the company might be working on vibrating mat to prevent the Virtual Reality (VR) gamers from getting hit by a table, chair, or other devices while being blinded by a VR headset. 

In the application filed recently, the company described that it is planning to come up with a VR-enabled vibrating floor mat that would deal with the real-world issue faced by several VR gamers. Microsoft’s floor mat would house a bevy of tech features capable of influencing users’ VR experience while keeping them away from the risks posed by surrounding walls, tables, or other furniture. Built-in “spatially distributed pressure sensors” and “fiducial markers” would communicate with the VR console to determine the gamers’ physical location on the mat. The data collected could then be utilized to shape the virtual world around players.

The patent also mentions the plausibility of providing the mat with “vibration devices” to make it vibrate. It further uncovers various configurations in the possible VR mats, encompassing one that would list a few customization options so the players can personalize their play space. Besides, one of the images provided in the patent application shows the intended VR mat in the living room, where a spitting-image of a Kinect is visible on top of the TV.

More interestingly, the patent even mentions the mat’s potential that would help the VR players in having a sound gaming experience. The company explained that in some cases, the VR-enabled vibrating floor mat could become a gaming console, while the HMD and peripheral control devices may perform as peripheral to the gaming console.

Furthermore, the application showcases multiple feasible VR computing devices like personal computers, server computers, home-entertainment computers, tablet computers, network computing devices, and more. It even puts light on wearable gadgets and smartphones that reveal that the brand may have been casting a precautionary wide net.  Another point in the application describes that Microsoft could come up with interlocking floor tiles, which would help the users to increase the mat’s square footage if they find the playing space insufficient by adding some additional surrounding tiles.

However, Microsoft’s new vibrating floor mat is predicted to take the users one step ahead as it would tackle a common real-world VR concern ruining the gaming experience of many players; but only if it sees the light of the day. According to several past reports, just applying for a patent isn’t a confirmation that the company will bring the expected floor mat as it is common for the firms to file such patents and then forget to turn them into reality. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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The “Blurred Line” Copyright Decision is Scaring Lil Nas X and Cardi B

The “Blurred Line” Copyright Decision is Scaring Lil Nas X and Cardi B

Lee and DeMeritt have recently sued Lil Nas X and Cardi B for Copyright Infringement asserting that X and B’s “Rodeo” has a substantially similar sound and feel to their “Broad Day.” They explained that both songs appear the same in many ways. For instance, they both are 142 bpm, Rodeo has “guitar and wind instruments to invoke a certain aesthetic that’s set against hip-hop ingredients derived from digital drum and bass components,” and “the rhythmic guitar part outlining chords of Rodeo is replaced just with a single note line playing ascending and descending scale moving with the change in chord.” It means the two songs are from the same genre.

Nevertheless, Lil Nas X and Cardi B might be planning to defend their Rodeo – a pretty good song managed to grab the attention of Don Lee and Glen Keith DeMeritt III, whose “gwenXdonelee4-142” beat was incorporated into Sakrite Duexe and Puretoreefa’s track Broad Day. But at present, the defendants seem threatened due to the “Blurred Lines” copyright decision made in 2015.

Back in the year 2015, the Marvin Gaye estate secured an unusual copyright verdict against Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams over their hit song “Blurred Lines.” The Gaye estate successfully argued that although “Blurred Lines” didn’t copy the Gaye’s songs, it cloned the feeling of Gaye’s music, i.e., this song by Thicke and Williams reminded listeners of Gaye. Strange, but the argument ended into Gaye’s favor. 

Since it required musicians to pretend that they have had no musical influences, lest they come across a similar lawsuit, it was a catastrophically bad verdict. People who pointed it out are known as “alarmists” by copyright maximalists, who are sure that this ruling wouldn’t spawn musical copyright trolls that would shake down musicians for huge payouts from hit songs as almost everyone, after all, is associated in some or other way to the songs that came prior to it.

At present, it is predicted that the matter will be settled with the “beat creators getting a songwriting credit,” and therefore, a remarkable percentage of the songwriting royalties as that would be cheaper than the expenses and concerns for going to court. Nonetheless, if X and B do this, you can bet that Lee and DeMeritt will not be the last ones to file a stupid and ridiculous case of this type. Besides, the “Blurred Lines” decision will become a strong legal way for grifters to impose yet another tax on working and successful musicians. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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Trademark Cease & Desist Letter: Important Things You Should Know

Trademark Cease & Desist Letter: Important Things You Should Know

Trademarks are one of the most efficient ways to build up and safeguard your brand’s reputation. As the Registered Trademarks enable consumers to determine the origin or source of products and services, they can also help you in expanding business by prohibiting the competitors from making profits on your name. Although trademarks provide clear directions that no one except the original owner of the mark can use it, Trademark Infringement is still a severe matter and needs to be addressed on the spot. Here, you will get information regarding the cease and desist letter, which may aid you to prevent others from using or cloning your trademark without paying unnecessary charges related to legitimate actions.

Cease and Desist Letter

A cease and desist letter in case of trademark infringement is a legal document issued by the original owner of the mark to a party infringing upon his/ her federally registered trademark. The letter asks the offending party to not just cease the act of violating the owner’s Intellectual Property (IP) but also compensate damages that took place due to the infringement. On determining that someone is infringing on your trademark, you can choose any of the two options; either try to resolve the matter outside the court by writing and sending a cease and desist letter or proceed directly by filing a trademark infringement lawsuit. Typically, sending a cease and desist letter to the infringer is the first step that many people put to end the infringement without including extra expense and time associated with going to court or taking other legitimate measures.

Another noticeable fact is that this letter isn’t limited to help you only if someone violates your trademark; instead, it is also helpful in cases like copyright or Patent Infringement.

Cease and Desist Letters Aren’t Legally Binding

As these letters only describe the ideas and requests of the sender, usually a trademark attorney or IP lawyer representing the trademark’s owner, they aren’t legally binding. Moreover, they don’t even provide indications regarding the court action, which could be the next step if the offending party neglects to respond to the sender as he/she expected.

Procedure to Write and Send Cease and Desist Letter In a Trademark Infringement Matter

To write a cease and desist letter, one needs to follow the following steps:

Determine the infringement: Firstly, check if someone is infringing your trademark or it is any other IP that he/she is using to make profits on your name. Trademark infringement takes place when the offender is advertising or selling his/ her products or services by using the same or similar name your products or services are having.

Do Searches: Collect more details about both – infringement and infringer. Make attempts and understand the offender’s intention, i.e., whether he/she is involved in the case accidentally or intentionally.

Consult to An IP Attorney: Though you can write and send the cease and desist letter yourself, yet proceeding under the supervision of an experienced attorney will be in your best interest. An adept lawyer can assist you in listing all the facts, demands, and claims in the letter clearly and understandably.      

Note that by creating and sending a precise cease and desist letter, you can:

Indeed this letter can be written and sent at any time but doing so as soon as you notice infringement would provide the best outcomes. It will not just prohibit the offender from continuing the unlawful act of infringement but also help you in enforcing your ownership rights. Nonetheless, to make the offender respond as you want by reinforcing your part, it is imperative to familiarize him/ her with all the details of your trademark. Your brand’s name or logo, the date on which you filed a Trademark Application, the day when you determined that someone is unlawfully cloning or using your registered trademark are some vital details you need to include in the letter. Including all the evidence reflecting infringement can strengthen your case. Ultimately, don’t forget to incorporate the section showcasing what the infringer can or should do to resolve the conflict.

Conclusion:

Hopefully, you have got a clear insight into the fact that cease and desist letter is one of the best ways to prohibit the offending party from continuing to make profits on your name without getting involved in legal actions. So if any individual or company is using your trademark without seeking your consent, the matter needs to be resolved by sending a polite letter. While a stern demand with a deadline to cease copying or using your mark can be useful, a formal letter can also result in a favorable resolution of the infringement concern. Now, after going through this article, you can undoubtedly write a cease and desist letter on your own, but doing so with the help of either any IP attorney or Trademark Law Firm is still advisable. Experienced IP lawyers and Intellectual Property Law Firms have a deep understanding and knowledge of these areas and can benefit you with a more compelling case on your side. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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How to Protect Mobile Apps against Intellectual Property Theft?

How to Protect Mobile Apps against Intellectual Property Theft?

The speed with which enterprises across different sectors and industries are undergoing digital transformations has left the majority struggling for the protection of their data and Intellectual Property (IP). The reports showing tremendous losses due to theft and duplication of mobile apps worldwide each year clarifies that only firewalls are no longer sufficient to protect these assets. As more and more companies adopt the use of mobile devices and applications, the threats extend far beyond the traditional concepts. With the estimation that 80% of tasks would be going to take place through mobile apps by 2020, securing them must be the top priority for their developers. Businesses should realize that if a mobile app can make them; it can also break them in case the innovative and valuable source code gets stolen. It is because mobile apps are inherently vulnerable to hacking, copying, and more. To understand this phenomenon and learn how to protect your mobile applications against the growing threat of IP theft, read further.

What is IP Theft in Regards to Mobile Apps?

Intellectual property refers to a category of valuable assets that includes intangible creations of human intellect. In general, types of IP vary from country to country; however, some most common ones are copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and patents. Digital IP encompasses algorithms and source codes, while mobile IP theft involves piracy and cloning of whole or parts of mobile apps.

Why and How Should You Protect your Mobile Apps?

Designed to bring a multitude of services at the users’ fingertips, mobile apps’ flexibilities and portabilities make them attractive to not just users but infringers as well. Hence, it is as imperative to fully preserve your app’s functionality as it is to protect the app itself. Well, mobile application protection software is an excellent tool to safeguard your app. By mutually reinforcing multiple layers of non-stop protection integrated into your app’s code, it can defend your app’s integrity and buzz off security threats while optimizing app performance. Nonetheless, relying on application protection software alone may not be sufficient in many cases, especially when the theft of unique code or app can result in reputational losses. Therefore, in addition to mobile application protection software, you must emphasize protecting your apps with patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other relevant Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). For instance, copyright registration can prevent copycats from copying your app codes or user interface (UI) elements. Besides, if you want to safeguard your apps’ artistic aspects like images, sound, videos, etc., then also Copyright Protection is the best tool.

Filing a Patent Application is another significant way to reinforce the protection of your mobile app. Although, in general, the technological arrangement of mobile apps and the way how they communicate with other mobile apps/devices and servers are patentable, the patentability criteria still vary from country to country. Hence, to avoid any delay or monetary loss due to the rejection of your patent application, you must always proceed after ensuring if your app is eligible to obtain Patent Protection. A knowledgeable Patent Attorney can assist you in checking whether your app suffices the patentability criteria or not, learning How to Apply for a Patent without committing any mistake, and more.

The name and logo that make the viewer identify and distinguish your mobile app from others are crucial assets, and no one except you should make profits from these. Trademarks are the IPRs that have been intended to safeguard one’s identity by preventing others from using the same or similar name or mark, which may create confusion. A Registered Trademark will also increase your mobile apps’ credibility, and thus serve you with more users. Hence, you should never miss out on the opportunity of securing your app’s name and logo under Trademark Protection.  

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, ensuring comprehensive protection of your mobile application against IP theft is not only arduous but appears impossible in some cases. However, if used together, the above-mentioned mobile application protection software and Intellectual Property Protection tools will never let you down due to the theft or misuse of your app. So, whether you are coming up with a new app or revamping an already existing one, it is always advisable to devise an appropriate strategy by combining these two protection shields. Don’t forget that it is the aptest way to make benefits from your mobile app without any concern in today’s era, where such applications are a part of continuously changing and fast-moving technology. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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