Themer App Pulled From Google Play Store Following Apple Complaint

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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