🧩 Introduction: Why Legal Protection Is Critical for App-Based Startups
India has become a hub for mobile-first startups, with more than 100,000 app developers and thousands of ventures across fintech, edtech, healthtech, and e-commerce domains. Yet, many young founders focus only on coding and UI/UX while ignoring legal registration and intellectual property protection, putting their entire startup at risk.
Imagine investing months building your product, gaining traction, and then receiving a legal notice because someone else trademarked your app name — or worse, copied your code. Many brilliant Indian startups have suffered just because they didn’t set up legally from day one.
At RegistrationMART, we specialize in helping digital-first ventures start, protect, and grow — from company registration to app copyright and beyond. This article walks you through a complete legal roadmap for app startups in India.
📱 Step 1: Choose the Right Legal Structure for Your App Startup
| Structure | Why Choose It |
|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | Most preferred for startups with co-founders, investors, scalability |
| LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) | Good for small service-based app teams with 2+ founders |
| One Person Company (OPC) | Solo app founders who want limited liability |
| Proprietorship | Quick start, but no legal separation or funding advantage |
📌 Recommended: Go with Private Limited Company if you plan to raise funds, grow big, or issue ESOPs later.
RegistrationMART Services:
- ✔ Company name search and reservation
- ✔ Director DIN & DSC
- ✔ MOA/AOA drafting
- ✔ MCA registration
- ✔ PAN, TAN, GST, MSME & more
🎯 Step 2: Trademark Your App Name, Logo, and Tagline
| Trademark What? | Why? |
|---|---|
| ✅ App Name | Prevent others from using similar names |
| ✅ Logo/Icon | Protect visual brand identity |
| ✅ Tagline/Slogan | Prevent imitation or copying |
| ✅ Word Combinations | For unique invented words |
📌 All trademarks are filed under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, valid for 10 years and renewable.
RegistrationMART Services:
- ✔ Trademark search (avoid conflicts)
- ✔ Class selection (based on service)
- ✔ Filing under appropriate trademark class
- ✔ Responding to objections (if raised)
🔒 Step 3: Copyright Your App’s Code and UI
Under Indian law, software code is protected as a literary work under the Copyright Act, 1957.
| What Can Be Copyrighted? | Type |
|---|---|
| ✅ Source code (Java, Swift, etc.) | Literary work |
| ✅ Screenshots of app UI | Artistic work |
| ✅ UX wireframes | Artistic work |
| ✅ Database structures | Literary work (if original) |
📌 Even if you use GitHub or other open-source platforms, you can claim ownership of custom-developed code.
RegistrationMART Services:
- ✔ Prepare copyright documentation
- ✔ File with Copyright Office (Delhi)
- ✔ Issue certificate within ~3–6 months
- ✔ Handle objections (if any)
📜 Step 4: Draft Legal Policies for Your App
If your mobile app collects user data or allows purchases, you must have legal documentation under the IT Act, 2000 and DPDP Act, 2023.
| Document | Why It’s Needed |
|---|---|
| ✅ Privacy Policy | Mandatory under IT Rules & DPDP Act |
| ✅ Terms & Conditions | Governs usage, payment terms, disclaimers |
| ✅ Refund/Return Policy | If app involves e-commerce or subscriptions |
| ✅ EULA | Clarifies usage rights over app and data |
⚠️ Google Play Store and Apple App Store both require Privacy Policy and T&C for app listing.
RegistrationMART Services:
- ✔ Custom legal drafting for app features
- ✔ Compliance with latest data laws
- ✔ Tailored documents for Android/iOS apps
- ✔ Multi-language policy support (if needed)
