# Guideline 4.1(c) - Design: Unauthorized Use of Another Developer's Brand or Icon

**Guideline:** 4.1 · **Store:** Apple App Store · **Severity:** medium · **Fix difficulty:** easy · **Typical turnaround:** 1-2 hours

Canonical URL: https://appstorereject.com/rejections/apple/4/guideline-41c-design-unauthorized-use-of-another-developers-brand-or-icon

## Description

Apple is rejecting your app because it uses another developer's trademarked name, icon, or branding elements without documented approval. This is the 4.1(c) variant — distinct from general copycat (4.1(a)) and impersonation (4.1(b)). Here, Apple has identified specific brand assets belonging to another entity being used in your app or metadata. This commonly happens when developers use logos of integrated services (e.g., displaying the Spotify logo in your DJ app, or the YouTube logo in your downloader), include partner brand marks without a formal agreement on file with Apple, or use another company's app icon style as their own. Apple provides a clear resolution path: if you have legitimate authorization to use the branding, attach documentary evidence (licensing agreement, brand usage permission letter, partnership documentation) in App Store Connect's App Review Information section. If you don't have authorization, you must remove all unauthorized brand elements. The fastest compliant path is to replace third-party brand assets with text references or your own original assets. You can say 'Works with Spotify' in text — you cannot display the Spotify logo without a brand usage agreement.

## Common variations

- App uses another developer's logo or brand elements without authorization
- App metadata contains unauthorized brand references or logos
- App icon incorporates elements of another company's trademarked design
- App displays third-party service logos without brand usage agreement
- App name includes another company's trademarked term

## Example rejection email

```
Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats

The app or its metadata appears to contain content that leverages the brand, icon, or name of another developer's app without the necessary authorization.

Specifically, your app uses the [Brand Name] logo and brand elements without documented permission.

If you have the necessary rights to use these brand elements, attach documentary evidence in the App Review Information section in App Store Connect and reply to this message in the Resolution Center.

If you do not have the necessary rights, please revise the app and its metadata to remove all unauthorized brand elements before resubmitting for review.

Next Steps:
Either attach proof of authorization or remove all unauthorized third-party brand elements from the app.
```

## Resolution steps

## Quick Assessment
- **Risk level:** Medium — straightforward fix if you remove unauthorized assets
- **Resolution path:** Either provide authorization docs or remove brand elements
- **Typical turnaround:** 1-2 hours (removal) or 1-3 days (authorization verification)

## The Fix

### Path A: You DON'T have authorization
01. **Audit all visual assets** — Search your app for logos, icons, and brand imagery belonging to other companies. Check splash screens, settings pages, integration screens, and about pages.

02. **Replace logos with text** — Instead of displaying a Spotify logo, use plain text: 'Connect to Spotify.' This does not require brand authorization.

03. **Remove brand marks from screenshots** — App Store screenshots showing third-party logos will also be flagged.

04. **Check your app icon** — If your icon incorporates elements similar to another brand's icon (color, shape, style), redesign it to be wholly original.

05. **Review keywords and subtitle** — Remove trademarked terms from your keyword field and app subtitle.

### Path B: You DO have authorization
01. **Gather documentation** — Collect licensing agreements, brand usage approval emails, or partnership contracts.

02. **Upload to App Store Connect** — Go to your app version > App Review Information > Attachments. Upload the authorization documents.

03. **Reply in Resolution Center** — Explain which specific brand elements you are authorized to use and reference the attached documentation.

## Prevention
- Never use third-party logos without a written brand usage agreement
- Use text references ('Works with X') instead of logos when possible
- If you have brand partnerships, upload authorization proactively with your first submission
- Follow each brand's official usage guidelines (most major companies publish these)

## Appeal guidance

If you have documented permission (licensing agreement, brand guidelines approval, partnership letter), upload it to App Review Information in App Store Connect and reply in Resolution Center explaining the authorization. Apple will typically approve within one review cycle once documentation is verified.

## Before / after examples

**Before:** Music app displays official Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music logos on the integration settings screen
**After:** Integration screen uses text labels ('Spotify,' 'Apple Music,' 'YouTube Music') with generic music-note icons instead of official brand logos
**Why it works:** Text references to services are acceptable. Displaying official logos requires a documented brand usage agreement.

## Common questions

**Can you appeal a 4.1 rejection?**

If you have documented permission (licensing agreement, brand guidelines approval, partnership letter), upload it to App Review Information in App Store Connect and reply in Resolution Center explaining the authorization. Apple will typically approve within one review cycle once documentation is verified.

**How long does this typically take to fix?**

Typical turnaround is 1-2 hours (difficulty: easy). After resubmission, most re-reviews complete within 24-48 hours.

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