Apple just rejected my app - maybe Unlawfully...

kaanuki

Hello guys.

I recently submitted my first app to Apple: "Jed I.'s Ninja Bot". My app is a satire / comedy / semi-parody of the goings-on in the Galaxy. The main character, Jed Inklebummerdingle, is a space station janitor with special items such as "Saber Mops" and "Force-x spray" at his disposal.

Apple has just REJECTED my app, stating the following:
"We found that your app, and/or its metadata, contains content that could be misleading to users, which is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines. It would be appropriate to remove or revise any content that is similar to "jedi", such as mentions of "Jed I".

Here is my contention:

1) First of all, the name of our app is an abbreviation of the main character's name (Jed Inklebummerdingle) - "Jed I.", and not "Jedi".

*2)Parody and Satire law makes the use of the actual word "Jedi" and any similar word 100% allowable, and its use is covered under the USA's "Free Speech" doctrine. There are MANY cases that have been won based on Parody and Satire law.

One famous case involved Jim Henson's Muppets naming a character "Spa'am", making fun of Hormel's Spam meat. The Muppets won based on the Parody and Satire doctrine

Is apple thumbing it's nose at our Free Speech rights? Tell me what you think. How you should I proceed? Should I simply give in to Apple? Or should I fight this one for all of our rights to free speech?

dayofjackal

Well unfortunately its apples store and they make the rules. On the other hand, George Lucas was always fairly ok with people making fan based Star Wars media as long as it wasn't commercial. Maybe Disney have a different view? Still, maybe its an automatic rejection based on a keyword. Take any obvious star wars ones out and it may pass the filter

RP

There is nothing unlawful about it. Read your licensing terms and agreement.

jamie_c

It's their store, they can do what they want, freedom of speech does not apply.

jonmulcahy

you can always try and appeal it. I wouldn't get into the freedom of speech with it, just mention that Jed I. is the characters name. That seems to be the only point of contention.

Also mention how your game is in no way similar to star wars, there could be no confusion.

The_Gamesalad_Guru

Apple and Disney are joined at the hip since they bought Pixar and the Jobs family became the largest Disney shareholder.

Wingmanapps

I did an appeal just a few days ago with some metadata rejection aswell and it got accepted.

Be very specific in your appeal.
Find apps which already is for sale with similar attributes.

And be professional and polite.

kaanuki

Apple Guidelines actually rely on Trademark law - They state this ...

...
Apps may not use protected third party material such as trademarks, copyrights, patents or violate 3rd party terms of use. Authorization to use such material must be provided upon request.
...

Since Satire & Parody are exempt from Trademark protection, I should automatically be authorized to use such material. 3rd Party permission is not required. I would think they should ok it, right?

lycettebros

be cool.

Wboko

I went through the same thing with one of my games on the Apple store and in the end it was just easier to change the name... Good Luck!

zzap64

Yep, appeal and be polite / professional. Don't go quoting freedom of speech etc.
They may give you approval after a few days.
Good luck. Otherwise change the name to Jed Eye

The_Gamesalad_Guru

If one studies parody law there are fine lines there too by law parody has to be full parody and make a particular artistic societial statement. They can reject you all day and then your only result would be to prove parody in court.

kaanuki

Thanks Guys. I appealed and the original rejection was overturned! YAAAY!!

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions.

Although, now I have another problem with my IAPs. But, that should be easy to fix.

kaanuki

Yahooo!!

jamie_c

Cool, glad to hear it worked out!

The_Gamesalad_Guru

Great.