1. Perform a Patent Search or App Idea Search.
Here is the right off the bat you should do. Often, a simple Google search will explain if your similar app already exists. If you're able to locate an app with features like yours inside the App Store, your odds of getting a patent will be grim. You should also search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO.gov) website to see if a patent already exists. You should search using different keywords and descriptions to make sure nothing closely similar to your idea exists. If you don't find anything similar, then you are in a good place to get a patent. If you learn a thing that is sort of near to your app idea, you may want to make positive changes to idea making it unique. You can hire a patent lawyer to do a search for you. They don't charge too much for searching, but you can usually do nearly as good or perhaps a better job yourself. Google, App Stores and USPTO are great sources to search when you apply for a patent, because the patent office will also search into these databases to discover a match.
2. Create Design Documentation to your App Idea
Once you see that no similar app idea exists, you need to document your idea. Essentially, which means you have to describe the design, features and functions of your app in the document along with your patent application. Your app's documentation will precisely describe what's unique regarding your app. You should also create wire-frames and flow charts for your application. Wire-frames can present what your app screen's may seem like when it comes to data, flow and features. You can even produce a flow diagram to describe key flow and using the job. If you're not capable of doing this yourself, it is possible to hire an app design or app development company to do it to suit your needs. You may also work with a UI/UX designer to produce more advanced design documentation. This may often in PDF format.
3. Apply for a Provisional Patent
Once you've assembled your documentation, you need to declare a provisional patent, that is easier to file (it can be done yourself right on the USPTO.gov website. You will not have to hire a costly patent lawyer to do this. You'll simply need to pay the $65 online application fee to get it done. As soon as you send the applying online, you'll get a provisional, one-year patent, during which you can convert your idea perfectly into a reality.
4. Convert Provisional Patent into Non-provisional Patent
If in your one year of provisional patent coverage, you choose that your idea will success, you will want to obtain a non-provisional patent. This technique may more tedious than the provisional patent process, however, you can find all the details you will require on the USPTO website. You might, at this stage, desire to hire a patent lawyer to file for your patent application for you personally, specifically if you have observed some success with your app on the market. If success appears likely, you might like to work with a professional to make sure your application goes smoothly.
Applying for a patent is long, detailed process, however if you simply stick to the well-detailed procedures in the method, it is possible to diminish the costs. The USPTO has made its website very simple and easy to navigate. You can even contact them if you have any questions about the process.