Last week Apple asked me to remove my app from the App Store. Now I know why.

#1

Post by bcwood » Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 4:35 AM UTC

Last week, I received an email asking me to remove one of my applications from the App Store, saying that "they had been notified" that the name of my application was infringing on a registered trademark.

The name of my application?

Facetime. (http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/facetime.html)

Specifically, this is what the email said:

"We received notice from the trademark owner of FACETIME who has confirmed their ownership of registrations for FACETIME in the US and other countries.

Accordingly, please remove your application from the App Store and change the name of your application."

Re: Last week Apple asked me to remove my app from the App Store. Now I know why.

#2

Post by antidaily » Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 4:39 AM UTC

Change your apps name. Not that big of a deal.

Re: Last week Apple asked me to remove my app from the App Store. Now I know why.

#3

Post by spicyj » Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 4:40 AM UTC

Well, to be fair, you were infringing on their trademark (or whoseever trademark it was previously).

Re: Last week Apple asked me to remove my app from the App Store. Now I know why.

#4

Post by mambodog » Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 4:42 AM UTC

Just out of interest, how long had your app been in the App Store?

Re: Last week Apple asked me to remove my app from the App Store. Now I know why.

#5

Post by icey » Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 4:44 AM UTC

antidaily wrote: post #2

Change your apps name. Not that big of a deal.

(context - http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/11/steve-jobs-to-develop... )

Re: Last week Apple asked me to remove my app from the App Store. Now I know why.

#6

Post by jaekwon » Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 4:45 AM UTC

The context is that Apple doesn't have the balls to say things as they are.

Re: Last week Apple asked me to remove my app from the App Store. Now I know why.

#7

Post by [deleted] » Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 4:45 AM UTC

antidaily wrote: post #2

Change your apps name. Not that big of a deal.

[deleted]

Re: Last week Apple asked me to remove my app from the App Store. Now I know why.

#8

Post by gojomo » Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 4:47 AM UTC

Apple bought the trademark from FaceTime Communications, a company in instant-messaging automation and security. Apparently FaceTime Communications may be transitioning to a new brand soon:

http://www.facetime.com/LearnMore.aspx

Re: Last week Apple asked me to remove my app from the App Store. Now I know why.

#9

Post by warpwoof » Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 4:51 AM UTC

Makes sense. Apple didn't want to give away the name of one of their new products/features before launch, but needed your app gone before launch also.

Re: Last week Apple asked me to remove my app from the App Store. Now I know why.

#10

Post by cmelbye » Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 5:05 AM UTC

jaekwon wrote: post #6

The context is that Apple doesn't have the balls to say things as they are.

Yeah, those losers. They really should have just said "Hey, we're releasing a brand new feature called FaceTime and we need you to change your apps name. Oh yeah, and just don't tell anyone. Thanks!"