Google play Impersonation and Intellectual Property

When developers copy someone else’s work or deceive users, it hurts users and the developer community.

Impersonation:

When we use another app or entity’s brand, title, logo, or name in a manner that may result in misleading users. Google will not allow to publish the app. In that case we should change the logo, or name or title.Even google would show the app link which we have the conflict

Here are some examples of common violations:

1.Developers that falsely suggest an affiliation with another entity:

2.App titles and icons that are so similar to those of existing products or services that users may be misled:

3.Apps that falsely claim to be the official app of an established entity. Titles like “Justin Bieber Official” are not allowed without the necessary permissions or rights.

4.Apps that violate the Android Brand Guidelines.

Intellectual Property:

1. Google won’t allow apps or developer accounts that infringe on the intellectual property rights of others (including trademark, copyright, patent, trade secret, and other proprietary rights). It also don’t allow apps that encourage or induce infringement of intellectual property rights.
2. If you are a trademark owner and you believe there is an app on Google Play that infringes on your trademark rights, we encourage you to reach out to the developer directly to resolve your concern. If you are unable to reach a resolution with the developer, please submit a trademark complaint through this form.

Unauthorised Use of Copyrighted Content

1. We don’t allow apps that infringe copyright. Modifying copyrighted content may still lead to a violation. Developers may be required to provide evidence of their rights to use copyrighted content.
2. Please be careful when using copyrighted content to demonstrate the functionality of your app. In general, the safest approach is to create something that’s original.

Here are some examples of copyrighted content that is often used without authorisation or a legally valid reason:

1. Cover art for music albums, video games, and books.
2. Marketing images from movies, television, or video games.
3. Artwork or images from comic books, cartoons, movies, music videos, or television.
4. College and professional sports team logos.
5. Photos taken from a public figure’s social media account.
6. Professional images of public figures.
7. Reproductions or “fan art” indistinguishable from the original work under copyright.
8. Apps that have soundboards that play audio clips from copyrighted content.
9. Full reproductions or translations of books that are not in the public domain.

Trademark Infringement:

1. Google play don’t allow apps that infringe on others’ trademarks. A trademark is a word, symbol, or combination that identifies the source of a good or service. Once acquired, a trademark gives the owner exclusive rights to the trademark usage with respect to certain goods or services.
2. Trademark infringement is improper or unauthorised use of an identical or similar trademark in a way that is likely to cause confusion as to the source of that product. If your app uses another party’s trademarks in a way that is likely to cause confusion, your app may be suspended.