If you own a mobile software application, you will want to use at least one mobile app license agreement to protect your intellectual property rights from being stolen or misused.
This is true whether your mobile app works on iPhones, iPads, or Android OS tablets and smart phones.
First, there is an end-user license agreement (EULA) that you’ll want for your mobile app. This software license agreement explains what the mobile app user can and cannot do with your app. You will want this written in plain language so there are no misunderstandings that could adversely affect you.
Another type of software license agreement for mobile apps you will want to consider using is a business-to-business geographic mobile app license. If you don’t have the resources to expand your market overseas into other countries, it may make sense to find a company where you want to do business and license the rights to your mobile app to that party.
No matter what kind of mobile app license you’re having drafted by your Internet lawyer, here are some issues that you’ll want to consider.
1. What intellectual property rights does the other party get (if any)?
2. How many copies (and devices) are covered by the mobile app licensing?
3. Does the license permit the other party to sell or give away copies of your app to third parties?
4. How will intellectual property theft claims be handled?
5. If you’re sued because of your mobile apps, to what extent can you limit your liability for damages?
What’s included in your mobile app license agreement(s) will vary depending upon what you’re trying to do. It’s foolish to “borrow” someone else’s mobile app license agreement because (a) it probably doesn’t fully protect you and accomplish your goals and (b) you may be infringing upon the copyright of the person who created the license.
When in doubt, talk things over with your software lawyer rather than using someone else’s license legalese without permission. After all, you wouldn’t want someone “borrowing” your mobile app without having a legal right to use it.
If you need a mobile app license agreement or other software agreements, it’s time to schedule a phone consultation to speak with Software Lawyer Mike Young.
