Stickers rejected for 3rd party content

Question

Created May ’17

Replies 2

Boosts 0

Participants 3

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 icon which is a close-up of the face of the mascot character...so that really tells me nothing about what they think the issue is.

How can I get Apple to understand that there is no 3rd party content?

Boost

Answer 1

KMT OP

May ’17

>so I explained that it's indeed my site and I have full rights to use its trademarks and copyrights.

Did you just 'explain' that you hold them, or did you supply record proof? How long have they been in force, in which countries vs. the countries the app is sold into?

0

Answer 2

PBK OP

May ’17

For clarity - your images are not an 'anime' form of a known trademark (e.g. Mickey Mouse in anime) - correct? If it were, Apple is appropriately concerned as should you be.

Absent this concern.....You need to reply that you are the owner of the copyright of the images. You might further support that assertion with a letter from an IP attorney stating something like:

"Because of the originally of design and significant difference between these images and all other images known to us, it is our opinion that there is no conflict with any other copyrights or trademarks nor have any third parties contacted us to assert otherwise. We would, of course, appreciate any references you have indicating otherwise. Absent such references, we feel that your continued rejection of this app based upon your abstract unsubstantiated concerns is unwarranted and we respectfully request approval."

0