death by lashing with USB cords
On the list of problems with the App Store process, the “trademarks, logos or service marks belonging to Apple” restriction (which prohibits an icon of an iPhone to indicate syncing, amongst other things) ranks somewhat low, but it is a bit of a thorn in the design process, and the inconsistent application of the restriction frankly feels strangely insulting (e.g. it’s not enough that George Lucas is the richest guy on Endor, but he also gets special treatment from Cupertino?).
I understand the argument that Apple must protect their trademarks. But rather than fight this corporate tradition, can’t it be embraced? Imagine if this simple form were added to the Application Submission process:
- Does this application use any Apple trademarks, logos or service marks? [yes]
- List each use and their function:
- An icon of an Apple iPhone in the Nav Bar, to indicate syncing ones iPhone to a server.
- An icon of an Apple iMac in the Nav Bar, to indicate syncing the application to a desktop computer.
- A photo of an Apple iPhone in the Help screen, to instruct the user on use of the application.
…and then as part of the Application Approval, a document that reads: “Apple licenses the use of these Apple trademarks [a, b, c] for the specific use of [1, 2, 3]. Use of Apple trademarks beyond these highly incredibly specific uses will result in the termination of 1 (one) member of your family per violation, by means to be determined by Apple Corporation.” Tack on a token fee for the legal paperwork.
