How can I protect my app name before it's taken?

Protect it where?

If you mean just in the App Store, you might want to stage it now in ITC, with your name of choice, and make sure it's not already taken. And if you've searched the App Store and think it's available just because it didn't pop up...think again.

It it is first come, first served (copyrighted names/titles another story). Whenever you decide on a name, add a new app with the minimum info & placeholder images first thing in your process.

In the App Store, it's a bit like domain names with more than just all the good ones already taken, and with all the devs hard at work, you might be surprised which ones are already 'parked'.

If you want one and it's already in use, even if the app isn't in the store yet, Apple won't release who has it, so don't think you can ask to find out and then try to contact and negotiate.

KT-

Can you explain 'parking' further or point me to the proper docs?

Thanks.
-Phil

I actually prefer the term 'staged'.

Have you ever added an app via iTunes Connect?

If so, you may have noticed that some of the content and at least one of the images are required before you move thru to the next form.

Once you pick a name and keywords as an example, those can't be changed until you update, while some of the related info can be modified whenever you feel like it.

Have you noticed the provision to add a binary later? If you do the minimums that are required when adding, and check the box to upload the binary later and then save, you've just staged an app.

The idea is to take this step before you spend months developing an app so that you don't find out at the last minute that you suddenly have no choice but to change the name.

Once you have the name staged, you can be confident of using it after completing development, getting ready with any marketing etc. In some cases as one example, devs need the name early so that it can be put into print media that might take weeks or months to hit the shelves.

KT-

OK. thanks.

No, I'm only about 90% done with my first app. Haven't submitted one yet. But I'd be interested in settling in on a name I know I can count on when I'm ready to submit in, say, 45 days. I just started my beta testing last week. Still doing a few UI tweaks based on tester feedback. And need to name it and get a main graphic/icon.

It's amazing how much time is chewed up doing non-coding tasks. Jeez!

Thanks again.
-Phil

That's good news....you've worked hard.

Yes, you're right about the tasks. Make a list and work them according to priority. Some days it might seem like you'll never finish, but when you do, I'm betting you'll be pretty excited.

The good news is once you've gone all the way thru the process and actually have an app in the store, things tend to click and become easier...except for when Apple tweaks the process of course. With a new product coming out, it seems like we're at a point where more changes than usual are coming along right now. This can make things tricky even if you're used to the process.

45 days from now is likely to be a very busy time....

If you decide to stage it and have any questions, come on back and good luck!