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Mobile App Development Legal Issues - Top 11 Considerations

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Mobile App Development Legal Issues - Top 11 Considerations

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bonakiduza1024
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Contact Us

<
https://appinventiv.com/>

Blog < https://appinventiv.com/blog/>

/ legal < https://appinventiv.com/blog/category/industries/legal/>

Top 11 Legal
Issues to
Consider to
Protect Your
App in 2024
Peeyush Singh August 30, 2024

We are living in the ‘app age’ where minor mobile app


development legal issues can result in dire consequences
such as legal penalties or removal from the app store.
Thus, addressing these issues is essential to ensure the
security and success of your business.

With over 6.3 billion smartphone users worldwide and

over seven million apps <


https://www.businessofapps.com/data/app-statistics/>
Contact Us

< across Android and iOS platforms, it is no surprise that the


https://appinventiv.com/>
mobile app industry is thriving by leaps and bounds.

According to Grand View Research <

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-
analysis/mobile-application-market> , the global
mobile app market was valued at $206.85 billion in 2022
and is poised to grow at a CAGR of 13.8% from 2023 to
2030. From gaming, music, and entertainment to
healthcare, finance, and eCommerce, there is an app for
everything.

However, while app development is progressively turning


into a lucrative investment for businesses across
industries, taking care of the legal aspects has become
unprecedentedly critical to protect applications from any
sort of complications, failure, or penalties.

To help businesses seamlessly navigate through building


legal and regulatory-compliant applications, here we
have listed 11 major legal aspects to look at during mobile
app development in 2024.
Contact Us

<
https://appinventiv.com/>

Top 11 Legal Aspects to


Consider during Mobile
App Development
Legal considerations in mobile app development <

https://appinventiv.com/guide/mobile-application-
development/> are critical to ensure regulatory
compliance with laws protecting developers, users, and
businesses alike. Here are some crucial mobile app legal
requirements that you must consider to ensure the
protection and success of your app in 2024.

1. Confidentiality Agreements
Sign a confidentiality agreement to protect your app ideas
from getting pirated. In most app development
environments, confidentiality issues may arise when
outsourcing third parties. A non-disclosure agreement <
https://appinventiv.com/blog/why-nda-a-crucial-part-
Contact Us

< of-mobile-app-development-process/> (NDA) is


https://appinventiv.com/>
considered the most familiar way to protect your product
idea. Generally, NDAs restrict information dissemination
about a particular project or product. They also limit the
information to the people who have signed the document.
For the uninitiated, NDAs can be signed with multiple
parties.

NDAs are especially useful in the following situations:

NDAs protect sensitive information disclosed during


the app development phase. (For instance,
passwords, source code, or business plans).

They protect your business from possible risks


when outsourcing people who have also worked
with competitors.

Keep your app a secret while under development.

Maintain confidentiality of trade secrets.

2. Intellectual Property Rights


Intellectual property (IP) protection relates to all work that
is original and created during the mobile app

development process. During the app development

process < https://appinventiv.com/blog/mobile-app-


development-process/> , you and your team will create
original content, app ideas, UI/UX designs, logos, app
names, source code, etc. All these original elements are
considered IP and belong to you. Your company needs to
register them as trademarks, copyrights, or patents to
Contact Us

< protect the app idea <


https://appinventiv.com/>
https://appinventiv.com/blog/how-to-patent-mobile-
app/> .

Copyright – It protects your app’s source code,


artistic or written work, and design. Your app will be
safe from unauthorized copying.

Patents – Patent protection covers certain methods,


processes, and products used in app development.
They are generally new and non-obvious.

Trademarks – Trademark identifies the source of


goods or services’ origin. It often includes
protection for your app’s logo, name, and slogan.
Most of the app development companies register at
least their app’s name as a trademark.

Also Read: Is Blockchain Intellectual Property


Protection the Answer to Creators’ Copyright
Problems? < https://appinventiv.com/blog/blockchain-
protecting-intellectual-property/>

3. Jurisdiction
If you plan to launch a product overseas, make sure that it
complies with local laws. Before marketing and
distributing your product in international markets, hire a

legal tech service expert <


https://appinventiv.com/blog/hire-legal-tech-service-
providers/> to help you with all legal work. This would
Contact Us

< allow you to understand the laws of other countries for an


https://appinventiv.com/>
efficient launch of the product.

Engaging with local professionals and seeking their


insights can also provide valuable guidance in navigating
regulatory landscapes and establishing a solid foundation
for your international venture.

4. Business Structure
You must know how you want to operate your business.
You can act as a sole trader, become a partner in a

collaboration, or form a limited liability company <

https://www.tailorbrands.com/llc-formation> . An LLC is
TABLE OF considered the right operational structure <
CONTENT
https://www.llc.org/business-structures/> as it limits
Top 11 Legal your liability, safeguarding personal assets in the face of
Aspects to
Consider during unforeseen challenges, making it an optimal choice for
Mobile App
Development Let's Build entrepreneurs seeking a balance between flexibility and
1. Digital
Confidentiality protection.
Agreements Excellence
2. Intellectual Together
Property
Rights
3. Jurisdiction
Full
Full Name
Name 5. App Store Agreements
4. Business Once the app is ready to be launched, the next step is to
Structure Email
Email Address
Address

5. App Store submit it to the Play Store <


Agreements Phone
Phone Number
Number
6. Terms and https://appinventiv.com/blog/how-to-submit-app-to-
Your
Your Message
Message
google-play-store/> or App Store <
   4
4 https://appinventiv.com/blog/takes-successfully-
+
+ Get
Get a
a
Share this 11 Quote
Quote
publish-app-appstore/> . Your app must comply with all
article
=
= Google and Apple app publishing guidelines. You must
also check government regulations for apps before
Contact Us

< bringing them to the market.


https://appinventiv.com/>

The terms and policies emphasize personal data


protection and address IP issues concerning your app.
These platforms also reserve the right to modify their
legal terms or add new clauses when necessary. Your app
must comply with the evolving changes, or it might face
serious penalties.

6. Terms and Conditions


“Terms of Use” is a legal agreement that mobile app
developers add to the app. The agreement is valid
automatically as soon as the user downloads the app. It
outlines crucial information about the app, stipulates how
users are expected to use it, defines what actions qualify
as improper or unlawful use, and specifies the
consequences of such misuse.
A Terms of Use agreement is crucial because it reduces
Contact Us

< the risks of legal and ethical issues for mobile apps if a
https://appinventiv.com/>
user misuses your product. By clearly defining the terms
and conditions of app usage, this agreement acts as a
protective measure for profitable apps and contributes to
a more secure user experience.

7. Privacy Policy
Privacy rights – specifically, the privacy rights of end-
users of the app should not be overlooked. The prime way
to address app users’ privacy rights is to comply with data

protection laws such as GDPR <

https://appinventiv.com/blog/gdpr-compliance-
software-development/> , HIPAA <
https://appinventiv.com/blog/develop-hipaa-
compliant-app/> , and CCPA, ensuring that user data is
handled with transparency and compliance. The privacy
policy must explain to the users how the app will collect,
store, and use their data. Such policies must also clarify
the rights of end-users regarding their data. They must
also know how to exercise their rights for data protection.

Here are a few steps to meet Privacy Policy requirements

Privacy Policy must be in place from the beginning


of the mobile app development process.

It must be clear and transparent to prevent app


development legal issues.
It should be in force and available for users as Contact
soonUs
< as they download the app.
https://appinventiv.com/>

8. End-User License
Agreement (EULA)
The major app stores require apps on their platform to
have an end-user license agreement (EULA). It is a
contract between the app owner and users that specifies
the terms under which the end-user will use the app and
identifies all permissible and non-permissible uses. The
EULA will also ensure that the user isn’t misusing the app
in a harmful way.

Thus, your EULA must be enforceable, meaning the app


user must agree to the EULA. The most effective way to
get user consent is the use of “clickwrap agreements’’.
Developers disclose them before the app is downloaded.
The EULA is presented to the user, requiring them to
confirm that they have read it and agreed to its terms by
clicking the “I Accept” button.

9. User Consent and


Permissions
Explicit user consent for data collection and device access
is non-negotiable. Understanding the nuances of
obtaining consent, especially for sensitive content, is
essential to building trust and avoiding legal
complications.
Prioritizing transparency and user control not only
Contact Us

< complies with data privacy regulations but also fosters an


https://appinventiv.com/>
ethical relationship between service providers and users
in the digital landscape.

You may like reading: How does blockchain resolve


data privacy and security issues for businesses? <
https://appinventiv.com/blog/blockchain-for-data-
privacy-and-security-issues-for-businesses/>

10. Security Measures


Implementing robust security measures such as two-

factor authentication <


https://appinventiv.com/blog/the-4-ways-to-
implement-multifactor-authentication-system-in-a-
mobile-app/> , biometric <
https://appinventiv.com/blog/biometrics-technology-
in-digital-banking/> access, data encryption
techniques < https://appinventiv.com/blog/ultimate-
guide-advantages-encryption-technology/> , etc., are
essential to protect user data from potential data
breaches and mitigate legal challenges. Failure to
implement adequate security measures may lead to legal
consequences and poor user experience.

11. Compliances
Stay compliant with relevant industry standards and
regulations, as failure to comply with essential standards
can result in legal penalties and reputational damage.
Also, with the increasing integration of AI technologies in
Contact Us

< apps, adherence to AI-related regulations <


https://appinventiv.com/>
https://appinventiv.com/blog/legally-compliant-ai-
development/> has also become mandatory to ensure
ethical use, data privacy, and fairness in decision-making
processes.

Major industries where addressing mobile app


development legal issues and compliances are of utmost
importance:

Finance: GDPR, CCPA, and PCI DSS compliance are


vital for financial apps to protect sensitive user data
and ensure secure transactions.

Healthcare: HIPAA regulations are critical for


healthcare apps to safeguard patients’ medical
information and prevent unauthorized access or
breaches.

eCommerce: Compliance with consumer protection


laws like the FTC Act and GDPR is essential for
eCommerce apps to ensure fair business practices
and handle personal data securely.

Transportation: Adherence to regulations such as


GDPR and CCPA is important for transportation
apps to protect user data and ensure privacy.
< https://appinventiv.com/contact/> Contact Us

<
https://appinventiv.com/>
Ensuring legal compliance and addressing ethical
considerations are crucial for companies looking to
develop a profitable application. Adhering to the above-
mentioned legal requirements is essential to minimize
legal risks and safeguard intellectual property rights.
Collaborating with a reputable mobile application
development company like Appinventiv can efficiently
manage legal issues in app development while helping
you navigate legal complexities and achieve your
business goals.

How Does Appinventiv


Ensure Legal Compliance
in Mobile App
Development?
At Appinventiv, we are dedicated to protecting the privacy
of our clients and visitors. We make sure to address all
legal issues in the software development process. Being a

trusted mobile app development company <

https://appinventiv.com/> , we reduce liability and


contribute to your business’s success. Here are a few
steps that we take to comply with legal requirements for
the app development process:

At Appinventiv, we have a stringent Privacy Policy <


https://appinventiv.com/privacy-policy/> in place for
visitors and clients to describe how we use and
process their data. The Privacy Policy explainsContact Us
< what happens to any personal information that we
https://appinventiv.com/>
collect when someone visits our website.

We disclose every practice regarding collecting,


using, and protecting personal information in our
Privacy Policy.

We also encourage our clients to sign a non-


disclosure agreement before discussing their app
idea.

We sign app development contracts with clients to


prevent legal issues in mobile app development.
The contract generally specifies the scope of work
or services, time limits, fee arrangements, code
ownership, etc.

We have helped many SMBs and enterprises reach their


app development and maintenance destination while
successfully addressing legal challenges. KFC <

https://appinventiv.com/portfolio/kfc-food-delivery-
app/> , Pizza Hut <
https://appinventiv.com/portfolio/pizza-hut-food-
delivery-app/> , The Body Shop, Soniphi <
https://appinventiv.com/portfolio/soniphi-vitality-
health-app/> , Adidas <
https://appinventiv.com/portfolio/adidas-ecommerce-
app/> , Edamama <
https://appinventiv.com/portfolio/edamama-
ecommerce-app/> , 6th Street <
https://appinventiv.com/portfolio/6thstreet- Contact Us

< ecommerce-app/> , Edfundo, <


https://appinventiv.com/>
https://appinventiv.com/portfolio/edfundo-financial-
literacy-app/> etc., are some of our esteemed clients
who collaborated with us to visualize their app
development projects.

Want to dive deeper to understand how mobile app


development has helped some of our prestigious brands
resolve their business challenges and take their
businesses to greater heights? Read the blog: Mobile

App Development in the Middle East – 6 Case


Studies < https://appinventiv.com/blog/mobile-app-
development-in-middle-east/> .

So, if you want expert assistance in navigating the


complexities of app development and addressing mobile
app development legal issues, get in touch <

https://appinventiv.com/contact/> with us. As a premier


mobile app development company, we are committed to
delivering unparalleled guidance and service tailored to
your unique requirements.

FAQs
Q. What are the legal requirements for app development?

A. Legal requirements for app development encompass


various aspects to ensure compliance and user protection.
Key considerations include:

Confidentiality Agreements
Intellectual Property Rights Contact Us

<
https://appinventiv.com/>
Jurisdiction

Incorporate a Business

App Store Agreements

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

End-User License Agreement (EULA)

User Consent and Permissions

Security Measures

Staying informed about these legal requirements for


creating an app is essential to ensure the security and
success of applications.

Q. What is the cost of developing a legally compliant

mobile application?

A. The cost of mobile app development <

https://appinventiv.com/guide/mobile-app-
development-cost/> varies widely based on several
factors such as mobile app requirements, complexity,
features, platform (iOS, Android <

https://appinventiv.com/blog/android-vs-ios-for-
startups/> , or both), location of app development
company, and legal issues in mobile app development.
On average, a basic app with limited features costs
Contact Us

< around $25,000 to $100,000, while a more complex app


https://appinventiv.com/>
with advanced features can cost around $100,000 to
$300,000 or more.

Discuss your mobile app requirements with us <


https://appinventiv.com/contact/> to get a more
accurate estimate of the app development cost and
timeline.

Q. What are the prerequisites for mobile app

development?

A. The requirements for mobile app development include


defining the app’s purpose and target audience,
determining the target audience, choosing a platform (iOS,
Android, or cross-platform <

https://appinventiv.com/blog/cross-platform-app-
frameworks/> ), creating a user-friendly interface,
planning the app’s architecture, integrating necessary
functionalities, ensuring data security and privacy,
adhering to app store guidelines, and conducting
thorough testing for quality assurance.

Additionally, legal issues in mobile app development,


such as mobile app terms and conditions, privacy policies,
and compliance with relevant regulations, should be
addressed during the development process.
Contact Us
THE AUTHOR
<
https://appinventiv.com/> Peeyush Singh
DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER

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A Brief Overview of the Evolution of the Legal How to Find a Legal Tech Service Why Do Small Leg
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Imagine you are in court, fighting a “How do I find the best legal tech For the past ma
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