Themer, a popular Android customization app from MyColorScreen backed by
half a million in seed funding, has been pulled from the Google Play
store following a copyright complaint from Apple.
The developers told TechCrunch that Apple filed a complaint over a theme called 'Seven' which closely resembled iOS 7.
Apple's formal notice reads:
Apple
Inc. is the sole and exclusive owner of the copyright in the original
artwork for the app designs in its iOS 7 operating system. The foregoing
application being distributed on Google Play intentionally includes
unauthorized reproductions of Apple’s copyrighted apps, including its
icon designs for Notes (Copyright Reg. No. VA1871602), Stocks (Copyright
Reg. No. VA1871786), Newsstand (Copyright Reg. No. VA1871650), Maps
(Copyright Reg. No. VA1871438), Camera (Copyright Reg. No. VA1871668),
Photos (Copyright Reg. No. VA1871779), Settings (Copyright Reg. No.
VA1871669) and other features. This application violates Apple’s
copyrights, in addition to other Apple IP rights. (This app developer’s
unauthorized reproduction of Apple’s multiple copyrights may be viewed
in-app by first downloading and installing the app, allowing Themer to
create widgets on one’s device, and loading the “Seven” theme from the
list of the “Most Popular” category under the Browse Themes.)
The app was pulled on February 2nd; however, despite removing the theme immediately, the app has not been reinstated.
“We
immediately removed [the Seven] theme and thought that, at worst,
Themer would be back on Play in a few days. But now a week later, we’re
facing the possibility that a few days might turn into a few weeks,”
Dhingra explained. “We’ve spoken to legal representatives from Apple
(who have been very nice, reasonable, and helpful), and they have no
remaining concerns. But apparently, Google has a process for these
things, and there’s nothing we can do to accelerate that process.
Unfortunately, we still have not heard from anyone at Google.”
Google apparently lacks a developer advocate or point of contact who is able to assist developers in this type of situation.
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