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Small developer bullied off the iPhone store
- Thread starter Castle
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I am curious as to what this 'puzzle' is exactly. If you could share some screen shots, I think it would show what is up with it.
TEG
TEG
It was types of rebus puzzles. There is more information about the type of puzzle here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebus
I created each puzzle myself, using Photoshop and my brain, but inevitably there would be some similarity to some of theirs. They are like riddles - there is only so many ways you can say the same thing.
I'm a teacher (the app was originally made to be used for revision apps for my pupils, so the development wasn't totally wasted) so I have no money to fight it. I completely accept they own the <redacted> brand, but not, by any account, the type of puzzle.
Similar puzzles can be found here: http://www.puzzlesurfer.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebus
I created each puzzle myself, using Photoshop and my brain, but inevitably there would be some similarity to some of theirs. They are like riddles - there is only so many ways you can say the same thing.
I'm a teacher (the app was originally made to be used for revision apps for my pupils, so the development wasn't totally wasted) so I have no money to fight it. I completely accept they own the <redacted> brand, but not, by any account, the type of puzzle.
Similar puzzles can be found here: http://www.puzzlesurfer.com/
To the Cydia Store!
They're demanding I remove my freeware Mac game too, so I doubt that would keep the legal hounds at bay
I would have asked for more information before complying. They claim 301 puzzles as being identical to their own. Did they provide you with exhibits demonstrating said claims?
They're demanding I remove my freeware Mac game too, so I doubt that would keep the legal hounds at bay
They have no right to stop you from putting it on Cydia, or anywhere else (except the App Store and iTunes) for that matter. All they can do is ask.
If all the developers that have been rejected just give in Apple will think they have won. Developers should make a stand and put their rejected apps on the Cydia store. That's what it's their for, rejected Apps.
Being as I have no money (only student debt), even hiring a lawyer would be out of my price range. I've removed the apps and will seek (free) legal advice. I'm fairly confident I could win, but really don't have any motivation to fight (other than that of <redacted>). I have $0 from the app, and $0 from the iPhone game. Even one conversation with paid legal counsel would cost much more.
And I am confident they'd pursue me to the Cydia store, too. It's not Apple that's complaining, it's the publishers.
And I am confident they'd pursue me to the Cydia store, too. It's not Apple that's complaining, it's the publishers.
Well, and sue. Which seems to be something the O.P. wants to avoid. (I know...crazy, huh?)
Just because you make something yourself doesn't mean it doesn't (potentially) violate somebody else's copyright.I don't see how they can sue him for making his own app
They are claiming they own the copyright to this:
<redacted>
Solution: Three wise men
Or this:
<redacted>
Solution: You're under arrest.
If they don't provide evidence they own the copyrights I'll put it back up. If they do, there's sod all I can do about it.
<redacted>
Solution: Three wise men
Or this:
<redacted>
Solution: You're under arrest.
If they don't provide evidence they own the copyrights I'll put it back up. If they do, there's sod all I can do about it.
Give the EFF a call. This is their type of thing. If not anything else, they can tell you what your legal recourse is. You might even get someone to volunteer their time.
www.eff.org
www.eff.org
I'll look into contacting EFF, but I highly doubt they'd be interested. There's no real money involved. They'd no doubt sue me for thousands, but the reality is that this app hasn't even made back the $99 I paid to join the program. That's not a big concern to me since, as I mentioned earlier, I made the app originally to serve up GCSE revision questions for my pupils, but somehow I doubt <redacted>.
I just want people to know that they <redacted>
I just want people to know that they <redacted>
Man, that is terrible!! This appears to be really egregious copyright abuse.
BTW, I had a hard time finding their website, but it appears that they are preparing an iPhone application called "dingbats"... seems to me like they themselves are infringing on the font of the same name.
http://www.dingbats.net/
I hope you find a way to fight this. My biggest gripe about the US legal system is the difficulty in recouping legal fees when you win your defense of a suit.
I don't see how they can sue him for making his own app
If it copies other games, sure they can. You think you could write your own Mario Brothers and not get sued by Nintendo?
To clarify, it sounds to me like this poster didn't do anything wrong, but it's sure possible to get sued, even if he is legally correct. "Winning" in court can still mean "losing" a lot of money.
I would definitely make sure they provide the names of the actual puzzles they've got a problem with. Also, verify that they own the copyright/trademark and/or are authorized to act on behalf of the person/company that does own it.
Kind of like fighting a speeding ticket u can pay the 150.00 and go on, or pay 600.00 and win.