Apple’s handling of the App Store has been under fire from the beginning… and for good reason much of the time.  The app approval process has been a mess at best. Apps have been rejected for seemingly no reason. and there have been times when apps that were initially approved have then been pulled. It has been better lately, but better than pathetic isn’t great.

The drama started when a competing application complained of copyright infringement. Ultimately Apple pulled it from the App Store but not without open questions remaining.

I have reviewed both of the apps in question: AppVault Pro (which was removed from the App Store) and AppBox Pro (whose developer registered the complaint to Apple) are similar in purpose and function. Basically, they are a collection of commonly used applications that range from levels to a flashlight to converters.  To my mind AppVault was a bit more polished and visually pleasing than AppBox but they were basically the same.  In addition AppVault had some additional features that were quite appealing, such as a guitar tuner and Bible.

Then AppPro Box brought forward a copyright complaint. I am not going to lie and say I know anything about code or copyright, but from what I understand despite similar functionality the two have different original code.  Moreover, I have reviewed many iPhone apps and often find that many are quite similar. This is especially true with puzzle games. Many offer the exact same gameplay with a slightly different look and sounds.  Each one developed seems to add a few wrinkles or added features. Similar… yes. Copyright infringement… I’m not so sure. Personally I see these similarities as competition. That’s a good thing as it encourages developers to stay on their toes. In the end we, the consumers, win.

But a complaint was lodged against AppVault Pro… and ultimately Apple pulled the app from the App Store.

According to the AppVault developers, the complaint was registered to Apple about a week ago.  The argument was made that there were no grounds for infringement claims and several of the developer attempted to work out some of the issues.  Obviously the two developers did not come to agreement, and Apple removed AppVault Pro late Wednesday night — but without Apple saying anything beforehand. That’s right. Apple did not communicate with the developer of AppVault Pro and did not provide any reasoning for the removal. (Read the AppVault Pro developers side of the story here.)

It is not my place to argue the copyright claims or any of the battle between the developers. But it does raise questions about Apple’s handling yet another situation? Should there be a process in place to hear complaints between competing developers? Yes. Should there be a clear process to resolve issues? You bet. Should the process be clarified before a claim is made? Absolutely. Did Apple do any of this? Of course not…

What is your take?  Does Apple have problems?  Shouldn’t there be a set protocol and open communication with the developers that make the App Store a great product?  With new options in the phone market (can you say “Dan and Larry love their Nexus Ones and Carly is downright giddy over her Droid?) and growing app communities (the Android Market offers app refunds! Wow!!), maybe these issues should be addressed.