‘Themer’ App Removed from Google Play Store Because Apple Complained About 1 Of Its 200 Themes – UPDATE

‘Themer’ App Removed from Google Play Store Because Apple Complained About 1 Of Its 200 Themes – UPDATE

Themer is/was a popular Android customization app that let non-rooted Android users customize the look and feel of their device.

It was a legitimate company that, last year, raised half a million dollars in seed funding. Most recently, it offered 200 different themes and let users sort themes by most popular, categories, etc. Themes featured a diverse range of patterns, colors, and images. Overall, Themer was a very popular and functional app.

Unfortunately, Themer was removed from the Google Play Store on February 2, 2014 and its future remained uncertain until February 10, 2014. Why? Because Apple took issue with one theme out of over 200 in the Themer database.

That theme was called “Seven”, and Apple claims that several of the theme’s icons infringe on Apple patents. That’s understandable, especially since Seven was a blatant rip-off of iOS7, which is used by the iPhone.

In accordance with the takedown request, Themer’s developers deleted the infringing theme from the app and tried to upload Themer once again.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t that easy. Themer’s developers have talked to Apple’s legal team, who says they have no further concerns about the app now that “Seven” has been removed. Google, however, has a slow process for re-accepting an app to the Google Play Store after a copyright infringement claim, which means that Themer may be gone for a few weeks.

I hope Themer comes back soon – minus the copyright infringing app. Its one-touch installation of different themes was unmatched in the Android world. Furthermore, Themer actually supported small-time theme developers, as many of the themes were purchased from developers. It was also free.

Update: Themer has been re-added to the Google Play Store! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mycolorscreen.themer

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