Mobile application (App) development is progressively becoming one of the largest and quickest revenue generators for small and start-up technology companies.

By on 13-11-2018

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR BUILDING A MOBILE APP

Mobile application (App) development is progressively becoming one of the largest and quickest revenue generators for small and start-up technology companies. 
However, given the recent spate of lawsuits and consumer complaints, legal protection and compliance are becoming ever more important issues for mobile application development companies. Though the laws governing Apps vary widely depending upon the consumer base, nature of content, and the business model utilized for developing the App, it is important to consider at least the following aspects of App development and marketing:

•  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT (IPR) IN THE APP SOFTWARE

 The IPR in the App software is a copyright that its author enjoys the moment he or she writes the code. The ownership of such copyright might be complicated if the App development has been outsourced to a vendor, achieved through a joint effort, or derived from an open source software (OSS). Where all or part of the development of the App has been outsourced, the vendor agreement should ensure that the party financing the App development has acquired all IPRs to the software through a properly drafted "work for hire" clause. In addition, it is important to bind the vendor with a non-disclosure agreement to ensure strict confidentiality while your App is being developed.

When an App is developed through a partnership, each company owns the IPR only over the piece developed by it, in the absence of an agreement to the contrary. If each party involved in the development wants the ability to further exploit the App for commercial and non-commercial purposes, then the parties should execute an agreement of joint ownership of the App wherein which each party will be required to account to the other of the financial benefit derived from its use of the App.

•  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT IN THE CONTENT

 The App might use (i.e. display, reproduce, publish, modify, or make a derivative work of, etc.) copyrighted content such as images, videos, and sound recordings of others. Developers need to procure "rights clearance" from copyright owners in order to be protected against infringement claims. Clearance may exist for certain uses, such as in-store, but it is important to receive permission for use where such rights have not already been licensed.

Trademark issues might also arise if the App or its features are similar to a prior registered or otherwise recognized trademark. Trademark is a branding tool, and so the true test of infringement is whether the use of another's trademark confuses the end user regarding the origin of the App. Thus, an App could infringe another trademark in a number of ways, including (i) if the name of the App is similar to an existing trademark, (ii) if the look, feel, and layout of you App is similar to that of a recognized mark, or (iii) if an existing trademark is used in the marketing or description of the App such that the end user is likely to be confused as to the source of the App. In order to avoid trademark infringement issues, the developer should identify the use of any prior trademarks in the App and inform the end user that the App is not sourced or endorsed by that trademark owner.

•  PRIVACY AND DATA COLLECTION ISSUES

 These concerns regarding privacy and data protection can be addressed by drafting effective terms of use and privacy policy statements that are reflective of the developer's consumer base and privacy practices. The terms of use and privacy statements should at a minimum include, (i) what information is collected, (ii) how is it stored (iii) how is it used by the developer (iv) whether the information is shared with third parties, (v) how can the user opt out providing such information, and (vi) contact information for end user complaints of the user data. If the App does collect and share personal information, then the developer should get consent from the end user for doing so.

Additional considerations will arise if the App collects financial, personal, or health data, is targeted towards children, or further distributes this data to third parties, since specific laws govern the use of such information.

•  JURISDICTION

 While the advice above has been provided only in reference to Indian. law, the App developer will need to consult and comply with laws in other countries where the App is being distributed. Consumer protection, privacy, and data protection laws in India differ widely from those in Europe, China, and other nations that might have heightened restrictions on such activity. If the App is being distributed in country apart from India, it is highly advisable to consult with an attorney or other expert in mobile and consumer laws of those countries.