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Ask HN: Someone else made a "Pro" version of my app. What can I do about it?

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Re: Ask HN: Someone else made a "Pro" version of my app. What can I do about it?

#21

Post by gujk »

albertogh wrote: post #11
Pewpewarrows wrote: post #9

Why not just release your own "Appname Pro", take out the advertisements, and charge $0.99?

Names are unique in the App Store, so it's too late for that.

That is slightly bizarre restriction, but can be worked around by naming the app "AppName Pro by Developer".

Re: Ask HN: Someone else made a "Pro" version of my app. What can I do about it?

#22

Post by albertogh »

btilly wrote: post #18

I am not a lawyer but there is an obvious thing to investigate. Does it look like they used your code, your icons, etc? If so, then you have a straightforward copyright infringement case, and under US law you can send Apple a DMCA notice to get it taken down.

I don't think they copied any of my code nor assets. However, their app does basically the same as mine, but lacking and lot of features and their is UI not as polished as mine (the app looks pretty amateur).

Re: Ask HN: Someone else made a "Pro" version of my app. What can I do about it?

#28

Post by lazy_b »

Take a breath. I develop apps and sell them, and this has happened to me about half a dozen times. If somebody wants to make a cheap knockoff of your app, just relax. Theyll be gone in a couple weeks if not days.

If somebody wants to one up you, worry.

Re: Ask HN: Someone else made a "Pro" version of my app. What can I do about it?

#29

Post by DuqE »

gujk wrote: post #21
albertogh wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Names are unique in the App Store, so it's too late for that.

That is slightly bizarre restriction, but can be worked around by naming the app "AppName Pro by Developer".

Another work around is to create a pro app and offer in-app purchasing to upgrade to a pro version, at least your profiting from your existing user-base and they know they are not paying for this ripped off version without realising.

Re: Ask HN: Someone else made a "Pro" version of my app. What can I do about it?

#30

Post by naner »

In addition to the other suggestions, send a note to Facebook that you purchased their "FaceBook for iPad" app (include a link to the app store page) and are extremely disappointed with the functionality. After Facebook legal complains to Apple about the app perhaps the submitter will be banned and all their apps removed or at least their apps will be under much stricter scrutiny. And a request of your own to remove the "Pro" app may be better received. Also, contact the other devs who had their apps ripped off and urge them to complain about this submitter as well.
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