“copycat”

Hello everyone, I am seeking some guidance on how to break out of what appears to be an automated App Review rejection loop. My app has been rejected three times in a row for the exact same reason, and my replies in the Resolution Center seem to be getting ignored. The Issue: My app is named Linkwise (associated with my web platform, linkwise.app). I am being rejected under Guideline 4.1(c) - Design - Copycats. The rejection message specifically states: The app's icon and name contain an icon, brand, or product name that belongs to the following developer: Linkwise. The bizarre part is that I am the developer of Linkwise. I am being accused of impersonating my own brand and product. Submission Details: App Name: Linkwise Submission ID: fa557f1b-3724-4e01-aa85-bf05ced4801f Version: 1.0.1 Review Device: iPhone 17 Pro Max What I've Tried: I have replied to the rejection message in App Store Connect three times explaining that I am the owner of the Linkwise brand and domain. Despite this, I keep receivin

My app got rejected because of Guideline 4.1 Copycat. The name of my game is Color Jumper and even though it worked on Google Play, apparently there is already a game out there called Color Jumper. Can I just add words after to avoid this (something like Color Jumper: Jump to Survive or Color Jumper: Switch and Jump) or can I not use the words Color Jumper in my title at all? Thanks!

Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice from anyone who has dealt with an Apple Developer account “Pending Termination” notice. What happened Yesterday I received a Pending Termination notice for my Apple Developer account (not just a single app). This is a huge deal for me because it affects all apps under the account. The notice cites 3.2(f) and 5.6.2 (Developer Identity). It includes language like: Evidence of Dishonest or Fraudulent Activity You provided fraudulent and/or false account information, documentation, or otherwise falsely represented yourself or your submitted app to Apple either during the account enrollment process or after the account was created. What I discovered (my mistake) After the notice, I did a deeper self-audit and found something that looks bad and could be contributing: One of my apps has a supporting website built from an AI template that look like tea app, the app itself have original code. The Privacy Policy page on the website was empty, and the footer copyright name was wrong (

My application does not compete with the developer. It’s an extension which sits on top of their website. Its only use is to work with their website. Without using their name, the extension does not make any sense. The developer not only has no issue with it - some of their own employees use the extension. To get documentation from developer, that’s easy. However, two questions: Developer wants to know what needs to be provided? An email, A statement? How / what format would be required they are asking? How does such above documentation get submitted / included in subsequent updates to Not hinder approval? The app went through 8 positive reviews / approvals and then all of a sudden this happened out of no where. So not understanding what changed on Apples side and how/what is sufficient documentation (email, statement, PDF, ????) from developer? thanks.

Hello, I’m looking for advice from developers who may have encountered similar App Review situations. I have an iOS game (“Next Run Game”), a fantasy roguelike RPG. App version 1.0.13 was reviewed and approved by App Review, but it was not released publicly on the App Store. Later, I submitted version 1.0.14. This update contained only minor changes: small balance tweaks bug fixes localization text fixes No changes were made to metadata or presentation: app name icon screenshots description branding overall concept After submitting version 1.0.14, the app began to be rejected under: Guideline 4.3 (Spam) later also Guideline 4.1 (Copycats) The review messages are generic and state that the app or its metadata “appears to be misrepresenting itself as another popular app,” but no specific example, reference app, or concrete issue has been provided. What is confusing to me: The same app (version 1.0.13) was previously approved by App Review. Metadata did not change between the approved and rejected submi

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 submitted a puzzle app called “Anime Jigsaw” to App Store Connect. The App Store Connect team initially rejected the app due to minor errors. I then fixed the errors and resubmitted it, but this time they said it violated “Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats” and that I didn't write the code. I responded that I wrote the code and could prove it. They rejected it again, citing Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats,“ and I explained that my app was different from other puzzle apps because you solve puzzles while listening to Lo-Fi music. But this time, they issued a ”Pending Termination Notice“ and started saying ”Evidence of Dishonest or Fraudulent Activity. I am definitely not a scammer. I am trying to communicate with the App Store Connect team, but they are trying to close my account and label it as “Fraudulent Activity.” Why are you doing this? How can I resolve this? My account will be closed in 30 days, and I can't communicate with anyone. Team ID: 93LGGK4LG4 Apple ID: 6751961511 Please App

Hello everyone, My app was recently rejected under Guideline 4.1 – Design: Copycats. The review team mentioned that my app or its metadata appears to be misrepresenting itself as another popular app or service, and therefore was not approved. This came as a surprise, because my app is an original trading journal product that I’ve built from scratch. While there are other trading journals in the market, my app has unique features and a different design. I did not intend to copy or impersonate any existing app. I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has gone through a similar rejection: What kind of changes did you make to get past this rejection? Should I focus more on branding (name, logo, color scheme) to differentiate? Is it helpful to write an explanation to the App Review team describing how my app is unique? Any tips or experiences would be very helpful, since I want to make sure my app stands out clearly and avoids any resemblance issues. Thank you in advance!

We have been developing our game “Ailem Olur Musun” for 8 months and submitted it to the App Store. However, our application was rejected under Guideline 4.1 – Copycats. Our game is a completely original project. Its story, visuals, logo, and design were all created from scratch by our team members. The main character of the game is a delivery worker, and the drawing we made for this character is used as the game’s symbol. Despite this, our application was rejected on the grounds that it was considered to be “imitating another popular game.” This game has also been published on the Play Store and has achieved a significant number of downloads and reviews. How can I best explain this to the review team?

Hi developer's community. So i got my app on playstore already on trying to come on Appstore and it got flagged for copycat / Design Voilation. I reached out to the review team and i got this screenshot added below , any help ? We have our app running on playstore