Intellectual property rights can apply to mobile apps in several ways.
One way is through copyright protection for the source code, user interface, and other creative elements of the app. For example, the graphics, text, and other content displayed in the app may be protected as literary or artistic works under copyright law. Similarly, the code that makes the app function may be protected as a literary work under copyright law.
Another way is through trademark protection for the app’s name, logo, and other branding elements. Trademarks protect using a unique name, logo, or another identifier to distinguish a company’s goods or services from those of others.
Patent protection can also apply to certain aspects of mobile app technology, such as unique methods or systems used in the app.
In summary, Mobile apps can be protected under Intellectual property rights like copyrights for the creative elements, Trademarks for the name, logo, and branding elements, and patents for the unique methods or systems used in the app.
Also, See: Human Interface Guidelines (HIG)