I have recently developed an App for iOS that makes use of the TMDb API (called "Must-See") and am about to publish it via App Store – but Apple rejects the App as I haven't provided any documentation that I am allowed to use the imagery presented within the App.
Therefore it would be great to know if you have and/or can provide any documentary on using the imagery (posters, backdrops and person images) or give any other helpful information to make sure I can get documentation on all imagery available via TMDb's API. I know there must be an easy way of getting through this step as there are already 5 Apps for iOS listed in the Apps Overview on TMDb (http://www.themoviedb.org/apps).
Here's an excerpt of Apples comment on their App rejection:
"We found that your app contains features that may infringe on rights owned by several parties such as Disney, Star Wars, Warner Bros, and Harry Potter, which is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines.
Specifically, we noticed your app contains imagery from the above mentioned films in your app screenshots, as well as within the app.
Please see the attached screenshot/s for more information.
Please provide documentary evidence that you have the rights to use this content to ensure compliance with the iOS Developer Program License Agreement.
Acceptable documentation includes a copy of your contract with the trademark/copyright holder and/or a letter from the trademark/copyright holder, to you/your company, detailing your authorization. Please make sure the documentation you provide specifies the rights for commercial use as the App Store is considered a commercial environment, even if you choose to offer your app for free."
Thanks in advance for any help!
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Reply by Travis Bell
on February 19, 2014 at 6:25 PM
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.
Reply by Cihat Gündüz
on February 19, 2014 at 7:18 PM
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!
Reply by chulaluk
on March 26, 2014 at 1:50 AM
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.
Reply by Cihat Gündüz
on March 26, 2014 at 3:05 AM
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
Reply by tmdb65057947
on November 24, 2014 at 3:52 PM
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!
Reply by Cihat Gündüz
on November 24, 2014 at 3:58 PM
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.
Reply by tmdb65057947
on November 24, 2014 at 4:11 PM
Hi Cihat,
I will try to use these arguments.
Thanks!
Reply by jbaraga
on March 6, 2017 at 11:29 PM
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:
Reply by sp1ti
on March 7, 2017 at 10:51 AM
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).
Reply by jbaraga
on March 8, 2017 at 2:52 PM
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.
Reply by jbaraga
on March 10, 2017 at 9:21 AM
It passed review with still images from "It's a Wonderful Life".
Reply by chuckzhou
on May 5, 2020 at 11:33 PM
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!
Reply by chuckzhou
on May 7, 2020 at 10:21 AM
Update, the update version is passed by Apple now, just follow Dschee's comment:)
Reply by Romain_T
on June 2, 2022 at 7:13 AM
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
Reply by Romain_T
on June 4, 2022 at 4:31 AM
Anyone to help me please ?