“copycat”

Repeated Guideline 4.1(a) rejection for my game Hello, I’m looking for some advice regarding a repeated App Review rejection. My game is Pet Shop Owner Simulator. It was originally developed and published by me under Tri Creations on Google Play. I’m now submitting it to the App Store, but it has been rejected multiple times under Guideline 4.1(a) – Design – Copycats. The latest rejection states: “The app’s description, name, and icons includes references to Pet Shop Owner Simulator 3D.” The confusing part is that Pet Shop Owner Simulator 3D is the name of my own Android game. I have already explained this to App Review and provided documentation showing my ownership, but I continue to receive the same rejection. Could someone please advise how I can clarify this with App Review? In particular, I would like to understand whether Apple is referring to a specific third-party app or developer, or if there is something specific in my App Store metadata that I should change. Thank you.

My app got rejected earlier this year for 4.1 Design Copycat terms. In fact, it was too similar to another big title. Although I hadn't copied completely there were elements that I replicated way too similar to the original. It was an old Unity course project that I thought it would be great to have on app store as a portfolio. I take the blame here and I was too reckless on the design. However, after that I totally redesigned the gameplay. All the assets are different, the way to control is different. If you look at both games you'll just see it's a total different project. The only thing I inherited is bundle id, the achievements and rankings. This week I resubmitted the app, with a different name, different screenshot and icons and a new Build. However, the app got rejected again as if the new build doesn't even exits. Question: Should I remove this app from App Store Connect and create a new from scratch or should I insist on having a that one approved ?

Hi, I'm struggling really hard to have my app approved on App Store and the reviewer don't provide any useful information to help us understand what's missing and how we can work it out, just some automatic messages like that: Thank you for providing this information. However, the documentation you have provided does not sufficiently demonstrate permission to represent the products or services included in your app, or the parties identified in the documentation are not correct. You can attach documentary evidence in the App Review Information section in App Store Connect. Once you have submitted the necessary authorization, we can continue with your app’s review. This is really frustrating because my app is already up and running on Google and Apple is this BS. Actually we think the reviewer is referring to our own app on Google because on a different comment they talked about Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats, so I tried to prove ownership of the Google app but apparently they find it insufficient e

I submitted my (first) app to apple review a few days ago, and today I got a message back saying it was rejected for the following reason: -- Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats This app or its metadata appears to be misrepresenting itself as another popular app or game already available on the App Store, from a developer's website or distribution source, or from a third-party platform. Apps submitted to the App Store should be unique and should not attempt to deceive users into thinking they are downloading something they are not. The next submission of this app may require a longer review time. (next steps segment omitted) -- In the next steps segment, it told me to review a the app store review guidelines and to make sure the app is compliant with the app store review guidelines and the terms and conditions. I did all of that and sent a message to app review, and haven't gotten a message back. What frusturates me is that the email never explicitly says anything about what I allegedly copied. It is n

I created a sticker app that was rejected for Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats because it resembled my anime web site. That was intentional, obviously...so I explained that it's indeed my site and I have full rights to use its trademarks and copyrights. I even provided a URL where that site links to the app as proof that I'm not just some random person. I re-submitted the stickers unchanged...just with additional explaination.They got rejected AGAIN! This time, Apple says, Your app or its metadata appears to contain misleading content. Specifically, the application is still leveraging 3rd party content.There is absolutely no 3rd party content in the app. I think they are under the impression that the mascot character in the stickers is from some existing anime property, but the art is 100% original and merely drawn in the anime style. The art and character is not from any particular anime show. It's not even fan art. 100% original content.The screenshots included with the rejection are of the app ic

I have a problem with the title of my app Trophy Tracker for PlayStation. I submitted version 2.0.0 a few days ago and it got rejected because of the following: Guideline 4.1(c) - Design - Copycats App's cannot use another developer's icon, brand, or product name in the app's icon or name, without approval from that developer. I'm wondering for two reasons about this. First, why did the previous versions not get rejected? The app is a month old now and from what I know there has not been an update of the guideline. Second, isn't it a base practice in the App Store to use the title formate xxx for xxx? A few examples would be Creator View for YouTube or Apollo for Reddit. And even my competitors use terms like Steam, XBOX or PSN in their subtitle. I sent a message to the review team, but I just got a generic response containing the text of the guideline. I have to mention that I do not claim to be Sony or PlayStation in any way, the reason why it is in the app title is to let users know that the app i

Title: Mistaken 4.3(a) “Spam/Copycat” Flag → 3.2(f) Termination — Seeking Guidance on Reinstatement Hi everyone, I’m an independent developer and I believe my account was escalated to termination because of a misunderstanding around Guideline 4.3(a) – Design – Spam and 4.1 – Design – Copycats. I want to explain the full timeline so I can get advice on how to present this correctly in the “Re-instate a terminated membership” request. 1. What I submitted I submitted an app called “Anime Jigsaw: Waifu Puzzles.” The idea was simple: it’s a jigsaw puzzle app, but I wanted to make it more relaxing by combining anime/waifu themed puzzle images with built-in lo‑fi music. So the concept I was aiming for was: puzzle + themed art + calming music, not just another generic jigsaw clone. 2. First rejection Apple rejected it under 4.3(a) – Design – Spam and also mentioned 4.1 – Copycats. The exact wording in App Store Connect said my app’s binary, metadata and/or concept was similar to apps that w

I need to bring attention to a very suspicious copycat incident that suggests a potential metadata scraping issue. I submitted my original sports insights app, KickPick, for review on April 2nd, 2024. To my shock, I discovered a competitor app already live on the store with same app name and nearly identical app information (descriptions, metadata) and a very similar UI structure. Domain Registration: The infringing developer registered their website domain on the exact same day I submitted my app for review (April 2nd). This is not a coincidence; it points to automated monitoring or scraping of new submissions/metadata. Plagiarized Legal Assets: While the UI has some variations, they have copied my Privacy Policy and Terms of Service verbatim. These documents were custom-written for my specific project logic, yet they appear on their site with only the company name changed. App Information: The app descriptions and store metadata are almost identical to what I provided in my pending submission. It i

Hello, I run a small news site, and tried to publish my app to the store but they keep asking me: 4. 1 Design: Copycats ' you have not provided sufficient documentation to demonstrate that you are currently authorized by the rights holder to represent the products or services included in your app. ' i uploaded a well documented txt file ony my website also inside the resolution center. i clearly tell them im the owner of x site and x app belongs to it to fetch data and show it in the app. First they came with third party thing, now they telling me to proof i have ownership i told them how can i show you or tell you im the ownership because i dont think they readed the well documentated txt file inside my hosting url. i think they are taking my time because i use my individual developer account with my first and last name. i do not run a company just freelance posting news to my website, thats the reason why i created individual developer account with apple for publishing my own app. They asked me the

Hi, App ID 6449141384 has been stuck in App Review for 17 days. After repeated rejections on a previous build, I submitted a new build — but review hasn't started at all. I'd like to request that an Apple reviewer check the status and expedite the review process. If anyone has experienced the same issue or knows the escalation path, your input would also be appreciated. Timeline May 2: Bug fix update submitted → Rejected under Guideline 4.1(a) (Copycat) May 7: Resubmitted with official collaboration authorization document → Rejected again under the same guideline May 12: Contacted Developer Support → No response to date May 13: New build submitted → Review has not started as of today Supporting Documentation The following was submitted in the review notes: Official collaboration authorization document from the IP holder (QWER, a K-pop group) Link to the IP holder's official channel promoting the app: https://youtu.be/vI6QCGZ5t0s Despite this, we have not received any specific guidance on why the reje

Recently, we received a rejection for our app on the App Store under Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats. We strongly disagree with this decision, as we are confident in the uniqueness of our project. We have submitted an appeal regarding this rejection, but so far, we have not received any confirmation that it has been reviewed or accepted for reconsideration. The explanation provided for the rejection was vague, offering only general statements and references without specific details. This makes it challenging for us to understand which aspects of our app are causing concerns. Here’s what we’ve done so far to address the feedback: Changed the Original Name: We renamed our app to emphasize its uniqueness and avoid any potential associations with other franchises. Removed the Character from Screenshots: We deleted the image from our screenshots to prevent any misunderstandings and to highlight the originality of our visual content. Replaced the Icon: We completely redesigned the app icon, creating a ne

Dear all, I published a new version of my football app yesterday and Apple rejected the app with the following message : Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats Your app or its metadata appears to contain misleading content. Specifically, your app includes content that resembles one or multiple third-party sports teams and/or leagues. Next Steps You may attach documentary evidence in the App Review Information section in App Store Connect. In accordance with section 3.2(f) of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, you acknowledge that submitting falsified or fraudulent documentation can result in the termination of your Apple Developer Program account and the removal of your apps from the App Store. Once Legal has reviewed your documentation and confirms its validity, we will proceed with the review of your app. Alternatively, please remove the third-party content from your app and its metadata. Checking similar threads on Internet, I understand that I need property rights of the football teams / l

I would like to report a serious and repeated pattern of potentially misleading and impersonating applications published on the Mac App Store under the seller/developer name Mihai Graure. This is not a complaint about one isolated app. The same developer has published multiple applications using the names, branding, interfaces, and visual presentation of major services including LinkedIn, Zoom, Google Drive, Twitch, X/Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Gmail. Reported applications: Desktop App for LinkedIn https://apps.apple.com/us/app/desktop-app-for-linkedin/id6786838795?mt=12 Desktop App for Zoom https://apps.apple.com/us/app/desktop-app-for-zoom/id6796387421?mt=12 App for Google Drive & Docs https://apps.apple.com/us/app/app-for-google-drive-docs/id6792317542?mt=12 App for Twitch https://apps.apple.com/us/app/app-for-twitch/id6797809667?mt=12 Desktop App for X (Twitter) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/desktop-app-for-x-twitter/id6786838258?mt=12 App for TikTok https://apps.apple.com/us/app/app-fo

I work for a company that provides services implementing, maintaining, and publishing systems for municipalities. We have now developed an app for a municipality, but when trying to publish it, Apple is rejecting it, stating that we cannot publish on behalf of another company. On the first submission, they rejected it with: Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats The app or its metadata appears to contain potentially misleading content. Specifically, the app includes content that resembles Sistema da Prefeitura without the necessary authorization. Next Steps Please demonstrate your relationship with any third-party brand owners represented in the app. We obtained a digitally signed document from the municipality stating that we are responsible for their systems, authorizing everything, etc... We made a new submission for review. However, it was now rejected with: Guideline 5.1.1 - Legal - Privacy - Data Collection and Storage The app must be published under a seller and company name that is associated with

Apple’s App Store Enforcement Failure: Why Is “App for Instagram º” Still Approved? Apple presents the App Store as a carefully reviewed marketplace with strict rules against copycats, unauthorized use of third-party intellectual property, and misleading apps. Yet “App for Instagram º,” published by Noman Aziz, raises serious questions about whether those rules are actually being enforced. The app is currently listed on the Mac App Store as “App for Instagram º,” with the subtitle “AI tools for insta.” Apple classifies it as Social Networking, and its description says users can access Instagram, browse their feed, send and receive messages, and view profiles, posts and Reels. Most remarkably, Apple currently displays an age rating of 4+. GUIDELINE 4.1 — COPYCATS AND BRANDING Apple’s Guideline 4.1 says developers should not copy popular apps or impersonate other apps or services. Even more importantly, Guideline 4.1(c) states that a developer cannot use another developer’s icon, brand, or pro