Occasionally, Apple might reject an initial app submission to verify app functionality, testing credentials, or public listing details. Our App Team responds to Apple Developer rejections on behalf of the Account Holder and can typically resolve most matters without client input. However, when an app submission is rejected pending proof of ownership, a legal document must be provided by the business owner to demonstrate the relationship between their legal business entity (e.g. LLC or corporation) and the standalone branded app.
When is Proof of Ownership required?
Apple will almost always reject an app if its name is completely unrelated to the business name used to register the corresponding Developer account. For example, suppose a business named "Acme Fitness LLC" submits an app named "StrongFit". In that case, Apple will reject the app until documentation is provided proving that the app name is proprietary to that business.
Conversely, if the app name is slightly different but similar to the business name (e.g. "Acme Fitness LLC" submitting an app named "Acme Strong"), the submission is usually published without issue.
The proof of ownership requirement is a safeguard against trademark disputes on the Apple Developer platform and any litigious consequences they might entail.
Acceptable Documents
To prove ownership, you can typically provide of the following document:
- Business or Operating License: When a business is first registered, the owner is issued a permit by a government agency that allows them to conduct business within that territorial jurisdiction. If this permit contains both the business name and an operating name identical to the app in review, it can be used to prove ownership.
- Trademark Certificate: This document certifies that a business or individual entity owns intellectual property. In this case, it would have to show that the business entity has the name chosen for the app.
- Doing Business As" (DBA) Document: This legal document demonstrates that a company or corporation does business under a pseudonym that is different from their formal, typically lengthier business name. The pseudonym would have to be the same as the app name to prove ownership.
Important note
While any one of these documents is usually enough for proof of ownership, our App Team cannot guarantee that Apple will accept them. Additional documentation may be required.
Providing your Documentation
If your business name differs from your app name, you may email your documentation to your point of contact. If your app is rejected by Apple pending proof of ownership, our App Team will contact you directly to collect the necessary documentation.