Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byGerard Byrd Modified over 9 years ago
1
Eric J. Pritchard One Liberty Place, 46 th Floor 1650 Market Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (215) 496-7241 EPritchard@Kleinbard.com
2
The following information is not intended as, or to be understood as legal advice. Consult an attorney for legal advice with respect to subject matters of this presentation.
3
2011 – U.S. smartphone sales surpass PC sales for 1 st time 2013 – 320 million mobile subscribers in U.S. 110 million use smartphones 55% use mobile device to access the Internet 2014 – Mobile web usage predicted to overtake PC usage Trends likely to continue
4
Software program for targeted task on mobile device Provide new platform for delivering services and information Key to Apps: leverage mobile devices – camera, voice capabilities, telephone transmissions, GPS, Bluetooth technology, to provide uniquely, mobile functionality. Mobile technology essential for companies where digital communications critical to business Slow adoption limits security providers, essential for industry to monetize apps
5
Companies should use Apps. Companies should address legal issues prior to and during development of App to protect rights and minimize risk Areas of concern for security industry ◦ End User Privacy ◦ Location Based Services ◦ Intellectual Property Rights ◦ Advertising and Promotions ◦ Risk Allocation
6
Privacy possibly single most important legal consideration for app development. Sources of Law FTC FCC State Attorney Generals State Legislatures White House Class Action Lawyers .
7
Types of information: ◦ Personal ◦ Personally Identifiable ◦ Location Based ◦ Financial ◦ Healthcare Information
8
Include clear privacy policy that accurately and completely discloses information protocol, including: ◦ Collection, Usage & Storage Take into account state and federal laws, industry standards and best practices ◦ Not only mobile laws but also state Burglar and Fire Alarm laws Are you insured for this type of breach? ◦ CGL, E&O and D&O will not help ◦ There is cyber liability and cyber risk ◦ Consult an insurance professional!
9
Guidelines for LBS Providers Mandatory Disclosure ◦ How users’ location information is used and shared with third parties ◦ How user may terminate the LBS and the implications of termination Mandatory Consents ◦ Consent for provider to use or disclose location information prior to using LBS app Security Measures ◦ Employ reasonable administrative, physical and/or technological safeguards to protect LBS information LBS information should be retained only as long as necessary
10
Apps are original works and may give rise to Intellectual Property (“IP”) Rights in course of development Examples of IP Rights include: ◦ Content - The original software code, textual/graphic, database elements, GUI, images and artwork may be protected through COPYRIGHT ◦ App developer may treat source code as TRADE SECRET ◦ App name and terms developed with the app may qualify for TRADEMARK protection ◦ Process or method embodied in app may be PATENTABLE.
11
Define and secure ownership through contracts including work for hire and invention assignment provisions Execute non-disclosures & restricted use agreements before disclosing confidential information Address 3 rd party IP issues ◦ Apps may incorporate 3 rd party IP ◦ Is a license required to use the IP? DON’T assume existing licensing agreement provides right to use! Geographically defined rights Rights limited by distribution platform ◦ Potential risk of infringement
12
Legal issues may arise as a result of: ◦ 3 rd party ads on app, advertising or promoting the app, the app itself especially if it promotes your brand Apps present same legal issues as websites, e-mail and other on-line communications ◦ Commercial text messages regulated by Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) and FCC rules ◦ Law provides private right of action and high statutory penalties Recent settlement by ADT is evidence of this App may constitute advertising ◦ Descriptions and public statements about App ◦ Content and advertising must comply with applicable federal and state laws
13
Is small print enforceable in an app? Drive subscribers to website? Is risk allocation covered by other agreements? Is the risk allocation enforceable?
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.