Made an Android App but Play Store rejected it :(

ajquiapon wrote 9 years ago: 1

Hi!

I've created an Android app that uses the API. Unfortunately, when I submitted the app to the Play Store, they emailed back and said that the promotional screenshots that I have used contains copyrighted content. I just took screenshots of my app showing images returned by the API such as these: http://imgur.com/a/Jlzom

I know that the API itself is licensed by CC-SA and I already have a link to TVMaze from the app but does it also apply to all images returned? I have also read the copyright policy on the site's footer and learned that these images are most likely from press releases/ press kits. What do you guys think is the best course of action for me to successfully publish the app? Thank you!

TonyMayhew wrote 9 years ago: 1

Sounds like the same issues as in this thread where they required licences for every single tv show.

They did a work around with an Amazon link that worked fine, so maybe that would work for you too?

ajquiapon wrote 9 years ago: 1

Thanks for your reply but that's a bummer. :( I found a couple of apps that made it to the store though:

UpNext - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.theupnextapp
EpMinder - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ionicframework.epminder726452
ShowStalker - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.danielhjartstrom.showstalker

What they did was blur/replace the images from promotional materials in question. I can do this as well but I'm not sure if they will also approve the use of the images as app content after approving the promotionals. Or maybe the above apps were just overlooked.

Anyway, I'll upload this to other stores as well. Some weeks ago, I was looking for a REST service that will let me practice my Android dev and design skills and TVMaze didn't disappoint! It's straightforward and no other setup is needed. Thanks everyone!

PS: Planning to open source the app as well. It's only in beta version 1 so all feedback is really appreciated.
Here's the APK: http://apkshared.net/2zJM . THANKS!!

vBm wrote 9 years ago: 1

If you plan to open source it, ideal would be if you'd submit the app via https://f-droid.org/ as well ;)

david wrote 9 years ago: 1

Unfortunately we don't have any additional insights here, it seems pretty random what is and what isn't approved. But if there's anything we can do to help, please let us know.

In the mean time, submitting your open source apps to https://f-droid.org/ is a great suggestion, I use it all the time. :)

mustafatan75 wrote 9 years ago: 1

Blurring images is not enough for Google :( At least it did not work for our app. I think they ignore/tolerate old apps, but new submitted apps rejected.

ajquiapon wrote 9 years ago: 1

Yes, I'll upload to F-Droid as well but after everything's polished. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks everyone!