Is it illegal to create your own mobile phone apps?

Apple would like you to think so, judging by the diligence with which they are going after people who create rival mobile phone applications for the 65,000-plus apps already populating the iPhone App Store.

In order to install these apps, you see, your iPhone has to be jailbroken. Apple has made quite a stir with its claims that jailbreaking phones is illegal. They’ve tried to back this up by claiming that jailbreaking causes everything from crashing cell towers, drug dealers running wild and threats to National Security.

It all started when an organization called the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) requested a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) exemption last year to allow iPhone users to run software that has not been authorized by Apple.

While there’s limited evidence that jailbroken phones can cause more spamming, we haven’t yet heard of any international terrorist rings ganging up with the drug dealers, and the nation’s cell towers seem to be in the same annoying state as ever.

But Apple is right in one respect: Doing anything that violates genuine existing copyright is definitely illegal.

But legally, does that copyright really exist, if the EFF can ask for an exemption? A copyright is a copyright, isn’t it? (What’s this “exemption” stuff?)

Meanwhile, the arguments in the forums rage one: “But what if you create your own app from scratch?”

Ah, but it’s an app for Apple’s particular handheld.

Does this really constitute copyright infringement?

That’s like saying it’s a copyright infringement if you write a little program that runs on your Compaq Deskpro. Well, hey, it also runs on your buddy’s Hewlett Packard, your mom’s Dell… does this mean your program violates Compaq’s copyright protection?

The lines blur between the hardware, the operating systems and the digital property.

True, the Apple OS is unique, but didn’t they open the door to this sort of problem when they allowed cross-computer compatibility with Microsoft-based PC’s?

The truth is, we could argue the legality of mobile app creation for Apple iPhones till the cows give up and migrate in droves to Argentina – but it doesn’t change the basic fact that Apple is highly resistant to anyone installing an app they didn’t personally create (and sell).

(And you thought Microsoft was the only one interested in monopolies?)

One thing you will speedily find out – many of the money-making “create your own iPhone Apps” links on the net have recently been disabled and removed, leaving behind notices like: “This site is no longer in service, or has been disabled due to a terms of service violation”.

That’s what you risk, if you try to distribute the app you created (or information on how to do it) over the net.

Instead of complaining about users making their own apps and trying to scare us all with rampaging terrorists, Apple would do better to feverishly start taking notes.

Or better yet, create a “Create Your Own App” app, with options users can customize.

The bottom line remains, if the apps people really want aren’t available, then users will create the mobile phone apps they want. Especially a generation used to instantly accessing any fact floating around the galaxy, to whom freedom of expression is the only absolute right.

And besides, breaking a thing to put your personal stamp on it and make it your own seems to be just part of human nature.

`Exploding Fart’ apps, and all.

Fred Lotgering
LotCon Biz Solutions
Profit from Mobile Websites

Our Home Office Products Website have been updated with different subjects of interest:

Starting a Safe Home Office Internet Business
A 7 Days Crash Course on Running a Safe Online Business is offered free. Read more…

Finding a Business Niche
The word ‘niche’ is defined as: “A special area of demand for a product or service”. ‘Marketing’ is defined as: “The opportunity to buy or sell”. If you put the two words together, Niche Marketing means buying or selling a product or service in a special area of demand. Different resources are offered. Read more about finding niches.

Business Tools
12SecondCommute is an online tool and opportunity center unlike anything else on the Internet. It is being designed and built for everyone who wants to live their dream working online from home. Twelve Second Commute is your online tool and opportunity center that will make a positive difference in your life and success online. 12SC includes all the business tools and resources you need in one easy to use account. Read more about 12 Second Commute Business Tools.

Building A Virtual Corporation
Today, no company is successful without understanding that going virtual is vital in creating a dynamic, profitable venture. One of the beauties of a virtual corporation is the ability to work right from your home. No more driving to and from work, no more punching a clock, no more corporate schmoozing! The freedom of a virtual corporation is limitless – as long as you’re willing to work at it. Read more about Virtual Corporations

Internet Copyright
Protect Your Content And Avoid Infringing On Others. An accidental copyright violation on your part can result in disaster. Web pages taken down, cease and desist letters, embarrassment and even lawsuits are possible! Trying to protect your rights without really understanding them just doesn’t get the job done. It’s incredibly inefficient and risks serious mistakes. Read more about Internet Copyright

Business Branding
Branding is about the business and how a business is different from the competitors. The purpose of a brand is to distinguish yourself from your competitors. Once you make a distinguishing impact then an advertising campaign can be much more effective. Read more about Business Branding

Trademarking
A trademark is a distinctive signature, sign or saying that in some way depicts a specific company. It is used to identify a product, a service, or an event for a specific organization. It is used to help that organization stand out from others. Read more about Trademarking

Mobile Websites
How ready is your website to leap into the mobile arena? Would you cringe with embarrassment, or glow with pride? The first thing you’re going to learn is whether or not your website passes or fails the Mobi test. If you’re like the average pre-mobile web designer (amateur or professional), your web site will promptly fail in at least 10 or 11 areas. How? Read more about Mobile Websites.

Teleseminars & Webinars
The use of virtual technology has made a powerful impact within the online sector. Trends show that many businesses, both online and offline are using the advantages of available technology to promote their business and gain customers. Both teleseminars and webinars are powerful web marketing tools that have the potential to skyrocket any business idea. Read more about Tele-Seminars and Webinars

Much more to come soon…

Fred Lotgering
LotCon Biz Solutions

Advertising is critical to business online and offline. For online advertisers, there is a new arena to explore: the mobile web. With over 60 million people accessing the Internet from their mobile phones and other devices, it pays to take a look at advertising on the mobile web.

Mobile Web 2.0 technology has made the Internet more accessible from your cellular device. Social networkers can access their profiles on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and others. No matter where you are, mobile Internet allows you to view the weather and top news stories even when your PC is not feeling the wireless love.

Advertising on the mobile web has several advantages:
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* Autonomy on the screen

The majority of users on the mobile web are in their mid-twenties to the mid-thirties. This age group typically has more disposable income than those with families to support. They are more likely to click on an ad and follow the link.

Blogging is also a popular use of the mobile web. Instead of waiting until you get home to create a blog post about an interesting trip or something that happened to you, it can be done right where you are. Advertising links can be added within blog posts doubling the chance that someone will click on it.

Because of the small screen size, when you buy advertising on the mobile web, you have autonomy. There is no room for several ads on one page even with a larger screen. Space is of the essence and your ads will be seen by more people without competition.

More people than ever are making purchases online. It is quick, easy and affordable with many sites offering low priced or free shipping. When mobile versions of their favorite websites are created, advertising that fact further increases revenue. No longer do shoppers have to wait for a fixed Internet connection, but can use the mobile site wherever they are.

Read more about mobile websites on our Home Business Products Website.