Apple releases new app and iTunes copyright claims tools

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It seems that Apple is starting to take some major steps to cut down on the amount of copyright and content infringement found in iTunes, and more specifically, the App Store.

Yesterday, we noted that it had rejected an app because its icon looked too similar to that of another. And today we’ve learned that it’s launched new copyright claims tools…

TheNextWeb reports on the revamped tools, which were first pointed out by iOS developer Brad Larson. It says the biggest change is the new iTunes Content Dispute tool, which is now set up to handle claims specific to apps. It’s supposed to make it easier for devs to file copycat claims.

The form reads:

“If you believe that an application available in the App Store violates your intellectual property rights, you can use this form to submit a claim to the App Store Legal Team. If you are looking for the form to submit a claim for any other type of content available on the iTunes Store, please visit here.

Apps on the App Store are made available by third party providers. Once you have identified the app and described the alleged infringement on the following pages, we will respond via email with a reference number and will put you in direct contact with the provider of the disputed app. Any further contact with the App Store Legal team should be made via email and should include the reference number in the subject line.”

In addition to the new Content Dispute tool for apps, Apple has also updated its submission process for standard iTunes copyright infringement claims. This particular form is for non-app copyright disputes like music, and is now much more clear and streamlined.

It’s great to see Apple taking steps to help cut down on cloning and copyright infringement in the App Store. As the Store has gotten bigger over the years, the problem has gotten increasingly worse.