Play Store Appeal Learnings

Here are my learnings from a Google Play Store submission in 2018. Once the app was submitted, it was automatically flagged and removed.

This was most likely an automatic process where the algorithm checks if the name is too similar to another developer or app, and automatically flags it. No human reviewed the app before it was taken down.

The Appeal Process

I prepared a reinstatement appeal and the app was reinstated soon after. Here is what I learned and what I included in the appeal.

1. File a Trademark Application

Demonstrating legal permission to use the name was critical. I filed a trademark application to show that we had the legal right to use the app name. This was one of the strongest pieces of evidence in the appeal.

2. Change the Developer Name

I changed the developer name to the company name to avoid confusion with other app publishers. If your developer account name is a personal name that happens to be similar to another developer's, this can trigger automated flags. Using your registered company name removes that ambiguity.

3. Verify Icon Licenses

Ensure all icons used have free licenses with proper attribution. Even if you are using free icons, make sure you have the appropriate license documentation and that attribution is properly handled. This is an easy thing to overlook but can cause problems.

4. Attach Supporting Documents

I attached several supporting documents to strengthen the appeal:

• Certificate of Incorporation -- proving the company is a legitimate, registered entity.
• Startup India Registration -- additional government-backed verification.
• Trademark Registration -- proving the legal right to use the name.

5. Be Proactive with Details

Proactively provide the details referenced on Google's support page. Do not wait for them to ask -- include everything upfront. The more complete your appeal, the faster the resolution.

6. Strike the Right Tone

The appeal included forward-looking language expressing a desire for "a long and fruitful relationship with Google Play" and an offer to resolve any other unresolved issues. Be professional, cooperative, and solution-oriented.

Key Takeaways

• Automated systems can be wrong. Just because your app was flagged does not mean you did anything wrong. Algorithms are imperfect.
• Documentation is everything. The more legal and official documentation you can provide, the stronger your case.
• Act quickly. The sooner you file your appeal, the sooner you get reinstated.
• Be thorough. A half-hearted appeal will likely be rejected. Put in the effort to make it comprehensive.
• Stay calm and professional. Getting angry or confrontational will not help your case. Frame your appeal as a partnership, not a fight.

Getting flagged and removed from the Play Store is stressful, but it is not the end of the world. With the right documentation and a well-crafted appeal, you can get reinstated. The key is to be prepared -- ideally before you even submit your app.