Hi Cihat,

I've seen this before but unfortunately I can't find the original discussion.

All I can tell you is that we have never given anyone anything other than what's on our website (terms of use, privacy policy). We don't have any document citing official copyrights or use of these brands and/or rights to any of our API users.

There's a lot more than the 5 we have showcased on the app page (my last count was around 20) that are all approved and available on the App Store. I don't know if it's one of those things where the reviewer just didn't care and approved the app and you just happened to have gotten a guy who cares more… but unfortunately there isn't anything I can give or tell you that I would imagine to be of any help.

Best of luck.

OK, thanks. I will just try again argumenting with the already existing Apps using the exact same API and a hint to the TMDb Terms of Use.

I hop this will help. Will keep you updated!

Any chance you have heard back about this? I'm looking at designed an app also using the API and would like to include posters in my app.

I'm still waiting for Apple to approve my App. I'll be updating this post as soon as I know more. But it looks good at the moment in Image Rights perspective.

UPDATE: The App was now approved by Apple. You can find it here in the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/must-see-entdecke-deine-lieblingsfilme!/id791526302?mt=8

Hi Cihat,

I'm having this problem with Apple. My app use the API to download backdrops (exclusively) and Apple rejects the app due copyright issues. Can you say me what changes you made to the app to pass review process?

Thanks!

The only thing I did was to answer to their reject and tell them that all imagery is promotional imagery and the content holders therefore should even want those images to be published anywhere possible. Also I pointed out a few other apps that also use imagery from the TMDb API (see Apps Showcase page).

I hope this helps you.

Hi Cihat,

I will try to use these arguments.

Thanks!

My latest update to my app MetaDoctor Pro was rejected for using cover art imagery of commercial movies in my screenshots. The screenshots have passed review on multiple previous versions, and have not been changed. I filed an appeal with the App Review board. My appeal was rejected. It seems they have changed their policy. Here is the App Review board response:

Thank you for contacting the App Review Board. Your appeal has been received and evaluated.

We are writing to let you know the results of your appeal for your app, MetaDoctor Pro.

The App Review Board determined that the original rejection feedback for the current version of your app is valid. Your app does not comply with:

5.2.1 Third Party Trademarks

Your app screenshots include screenshots that may infringe on rights owned by third parties.

Additional Notes: Policy around 5.2.1 Third Party Trademark has been updated and App Store is no longer allowing screenshots including media covers owned by third parties unless the developer has a right to use them.

There may still be apps on the App Store that don't appear to be in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines. We work hard to ensure that the apps on the App Store are in compliance and we try to identify any apps currently on the App Store that may not be. It takes time to identify these occurrences, but another app being out of compliance is not a reason for your app to be.

We hope you will consider making the necessary changes to be in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines and will resubmit your revised binary.

@jbaraga said:

My latest update to my app MetaDoctor Pro was rejected for using cover art imagery of commercial movies in my screenshots. The screenshots have passed review on multiple previous versions, and have not been changed. I filed an appeal with the App Review board. My appeal was rejected. It seems they have changed their policy. Here is the App Review board response:

They rejected apps showcasing 3rd party content in their screenshots for quite a while (both apple and google) but as you noticed not very consistent. You can display samples that are CC cleared or leave them blank (that's why media players like VLC often use "Big Buck Bunny" in promos to name one).

@sp1ti said:

They rejected apps showcasing 3rd party content in their screenshots for quite a while (both apple and google) but as you noticed not very consistent. You can display samples that are CC cleared or leave them blank (that's why media players like VLC often use "Big Buck Bunny" in promos to name one).

Thanks for the idea. I am resubmitting with new screenshots using still images from "It's a Wonderful Life", which based on some web research, are considered public domain.

@jbaraga said:

@sp1ti said:

They rejected apps showcasing 3rd party content in their screenshots for quite a while (both apple and google) but as you noticed not very consistent. You can display samples that are CC cleared or leave them blank (that's why media players like VLC often use "Big Buck Bunny" in promos to name one).

Thanks for the idea. I am resubmitting with new screenshots using still images from "It's a Wonderful Life", which based on some web research, are considered public domain.

It passed review with still images from "It's a Wonderful Life".

@Dschee said:

The only thing I did was to answer to their reject and tell them that all imagery is promotional imagery and the content holders therefore should even want those images to be published anywhere possible. Also I pointed out a few other apps that also use imagery from the TMDb API (see Apps Showcase page).

I hope this helps you.

I get the same copyright issue when updating my app version in Apple App Store, I will try on your approach this time, many thanks!

@chuckzhou said:

@Dschee said:

The only thing I did was to answer to their reject and tell them that all imagery is promotional imagery and the content holders therefore should even want those images to be published anywhere possible. Also I pointed out a few other apps that also use imagery from the TMDb API (see Apps Showcase page).

I hope this helps you.

I get the same copyright issue when updating my app version in Apple App Store, I will try on your approach this time, many thanks!

Update, the update version is passed by Apple now, just follow Dschee's comment:)

@Dschee said: The only thing I did was to answer to their reject and tell them that all imagery is promotional imagery and the content holders therefore should even want those images to be published anywhere possible. Also I pointed out a few other apps that also use imagery from the TMDb API (see Apps Showcase page). I hope this helps you.

I had the same problem about the Documentation on Imagery Usage Rights and I followed Dschee's advice. Alas, I just received a negative feedback from Apple: Regarding 4.1, we still found that your metadata might infringe on copyrighted materials such as well known movies and series. To resolve this issue, it would be appropriate to provide documentation showing that you have obtained the rights to use the imagery of movie posters, series etc. Alternatively, you could also remove any copyrighted imagery from your metadata.

Do you have any idea how to solve this please?

Thanks

Romain

Anyone to help me please ?