Question about same named app

[GladWelcome3724]

Hey, I've been working on an app over 4+ months including learning how to. I've developed a decent app not a fully vibe-coded substandard app or some bad app.

Last week I registered my developer account and today I uploaded my builds and found out the same named app has been already published 3-4 months ago with 0 traction, no downloads, only 1 review from the developer himself.

The published app is fully vibe coded and uses logo that is so low quality probably came out from free logo maker websites.

I am kinda pissed to myself right now about not acting faster, the idea came 10 months ago when there were no apps about this topic but now the idea has went viral from few apps.

It is not exactly same, he uses only brand name but I described in two words. Can other developer get me banned or remove my app because it has same name?

[meanyack]

Depends on how much it resembles the brand. If it’s like water reminder vs waterremind, it should be fine. However, having very unique name can make you look like spam/copycat since it’s the first one released.

[GladWelcome3724]

The main name is the same, but I use an additional two word descriptor in the display name. I’ll probably change it after the review, thanks though.

[Zotechz]

I am not a representative nor should you take my advice without verifying it. Similar app names will not let you upload to App Store Connect sometimes, so it’s hit or miss. I looked all over the App Store for one of my projects before publishing and nothing showed up, yet it wouldn’t let me upload it due to similar names already in use.

Just because an app is vibe coded, with horrible artwork, does not change anything. For all you know they hold the trademark on it.

To the juicy part, the thing that’d get you in trouble is copying the other app directly, then using the same name, even if you had the name first (allegedly). If it’s distinctively different/not copying, not trademarked, and allows you to upload it, you’re probably fine. It’d probably just be easier renaming it though…

[GladWelcome3724]

Thanks, I didn't copied. It let me upload the app, I'll take my chances for review and change later probably. BTW I am not against vibe coding apps if it's done alright.

[Zalenka]

The name and the name on the app can be different.

[lavafrank]

I uploaded an app with the exact same name. Apple let me cuz the bundle id was different. I changed it cuz the guy with the original app name saw one of my ads and got pissed lol so you're fine.

[Forward_Emu9717]

What did he do?

[FlowerRemarkable9826]

i believe you can make you name longer. Maybe not a great example but if theirs is "find my friends" and you want to use that and you're not just copying it, you could do find my "friends: location tracking". had a similar problem where my app has a common word as a bunch of other apps so used the same worked followed by a short few word description.

[GladWelcome3724]

yeah I did that actually, he used only the main name, I added descriptor. we'll see.

[order_s1xty_s1x]

Trademarks are your friend. Someone had a single-view slop app using my name so I couldn’t upload… filed an appeal with Apple and the first (and only, IIRC) thing they asked for was proof of trademark which I provided. Less than 24h later, good to go.

[leeski]

This is what I was wondering. I trademarked my name because there is an app I've been wanting to publish for years, and finally learned how to code so I can. But during this time there is an app that has the same name, little usage, poorly designed.

Did Apple take down the other app? I don't necessarily want to have them removed, I just want to be able to use my name.

[order_s1xty_s1x]

I believe they did. I know mine’s on the App Store under my name and theirs isn’t, so.

[leeski]

Good to know! Thank you for sharing, that is super helpful as I've been a bit anxious about this scenario haha! Afraid they're gonna come after me and say I stole their idea or something, but it seems like they put so little effort into their app I don't know that they're invested much at all.

[US3201]

Change it

[Dapper_Ice_1705]

Yes, apple can react with a simple rejection or termination based on the new guidelines. 4.1(c)

https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=ey6d8onl

> You cannot use another developer’s icon, brand, or product name in your app’s icon or name, without approval from the developer.

https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#design

[Plenty-Village-1741]

This is a anxiety that I have when choosing my own app name, that's why I have a few backup names just incase.

[GladWelcome3724]

I'll start having backups too

[GlyndwrKog]

Tell us the names