Copyright Act: Federal law (17 U.S.C.) governing copyright protection for original works of authorship, including software code and user interfaces
Patent Act: Federal law (35 U.S.C.) protecting novel, non-obvious inventions and technological innovations in software and hardware
Trademark Act: Federal law (15 U.S.C.) protecting brands, logos, and distinctive marks used in app development and marketing
Defend Trade Secrets Act: Federal law providing uniform protection for trade secrets, including proprietary algorithms and development methods
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): State law requiring businesses to disclose their data collection and sharing practices, with specific requirements for app developers
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): Federal law imposing requirements on operators of websites and online services, including apps, regarding the collection of personal information from children under 13
Federal Trade Commission Act: Federal law prohibiting deceptive and unfair trade practices, affecting app marketing and user data handling
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act: Federal law addressing computer-related fraud and unauthorized access to protected computers and data
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Federal law addressing copyright issues in digital media, including protection measures and online service provider liability
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Standardized set of laws governing commercial transactions, including software licensing and digital goods
Fair Labor Standards Act: Federal law establishing standards for employment relationships, relevant for determining contractor vs. employee status in app development
Platform-Specific Guidelines: Requirements set by major app platforms (Apple App Store, Google Play Store) that must be incorporated into developer agreements
HIPAA: Federal law establishing standards for protecting sensitive patient health information, crucial for health-related apps
Export Administration Regulations (EAR): Federal regulations controlling the export and import of commercial and dual-use technologies, including certain types of software
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law requiring accessible design for public accommodations, increasingly applied to digital services and applications
