pasztor.laszlo Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 Hi! I really like the idea of one app what I found in AppStore. I found it while I was searching about this specific idea. So my question is: Can I re-use the idea of this app? The functionality would be 60-70% the same, but in a re-imagined way, with more features, but less features from the original idea. Can I check somehow if this idea is "trademarked" or "copyrighted", or maybe I can use it freely? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ironman273 Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 Just look at how many flashlight apps there are or a search for a feature returns various apps that do the same thing. As long as you don't use assets from the app and code it from the ground up there should be no problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pasztor.laszlo Posted October 30, 2013 Author Share Posted October 30, 2013 As long as you don't use assets What do you mean under it? The main idea is an "asset", too, and I want to use it, but build from the ground, with my codes. I just don't want to "steal" the idea - however if I make the app, that's what I would do. I don't want to steal, but I like the idea, but I have a different (60-70% the same, however) idea for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandosis Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 What do you mean under it? The main idea is an "asset", too, and I want to use it, but build from the ground, with my codes. I just don't want to "steal" the idea - however if I make the app, that's what I would do. I don't want to steal, but I like the idea, but I have a different (60-70% the same, however) idea for it. It means you cant take any images and such right from their app. everything you do has to be your own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xWhiplash Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 What do you mean under it? The main idea is an "asset", too, and I want to use it, but build from the ground, with my codes. I just don't want to "steal" the idea - however if I make the app, that's what I would do. I don't want to steal, but I like the idea, but I have a different (60-70% the same, however) idea for it. Assets here are referred to graphics, sound effects, fonts, videos, ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xahid Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 What do you mean under it? The main idea is an "asset", too, and I want to use it, but build from the ground, with my codes. I just don't want to "steal" the idea - however if I make the app, that's what I would do. I don't want to steal, but I like the idea, but I have a different (60-70% the same, however) idea for it. The idea is not an asset ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pasztor.laszlo Posted October 30, 2013 Author Share Posted October 30, 2013 Ok, now it's clear! And it's great! :-) Thanks for the answers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadrack Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 There is always a risk that your app may violate some software patent that is out there. For example, Lodsys (notorious patent troll) was suing folks over links to buy stuff that improve an app (or something along those lines..such as selling a subscription service through an app). They said they invented and patented that mechanism. They were successful at extorting money from a lot of developers using it as well... Kaspersky challenged them and were ready to go to court over it as oppose to settle and Lodsys backed off (they did not want a court ruling against them). If you would tell us the specific feature you are working on, we might be more helpful. You will probably be OK, though, so long as you do not reverse engineer another app and use segments of code or assets in your own app. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pasztor.laszlo Posted November 1, 2013 Author Share Posted November 1, 2013 It's "nothing special": a Facebook-login (using some of public data), a location system, and an own database to keep the data together. My "problem" is, that if the original idea would be my idea, the first thing what I would do is to protect the rights (patent office) so nobody else could re-use it. Yeah, maybe it's a bad habbit, but it "can be" business, if the project works well. Can I check if this idea is patented or not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pasztor.laszlo Posted November 1, 2013 Author Share Posted November 1, 2013 Or I should simply contact the authors of the "original" app and ask them? :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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