yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Apps and Games] Maksl5:
At the moment, I'm really shocked.

As the developer of the 'Scan Most Bluetooth Devices' Game I will write Google an Email that this user really HAS TO BE BANNED from the market and SURELY "HIS APPS" TOO.

...Really angry...
[Android Apps and Games] jgittins:
His website has gone but his apps are still on the market.
[Android Apps and Games] appelflap:
The craziest thing about this is that Google gets 30% of all his/her/its sales.

If I were you I would put your app on the market with a different domain name, and note that it is genuine. (Same app name of course ) If you don't have a developer account and wish to publish it I can publish it for you. I've opened an account with a other xda-dev member to host a donation app for us.

If there are other people who want their app up in the market pm me, we (theimpaler747 and me) will do it for free, of course. We will make sure you get the credits! Your name would be written all over the app-page :) We can also post a link to the original xda-dev thread!
[Android Apps and Games] Eiskrem-Kaiser:
That guy is such an ass. Incredible. Sucks for everyone who now has to rename his or her app.
[Android Apps and Games] theimpaler747:
+1 Be happy to do it for any interested
[Android Apps and Games] missparker76:
It's such a shame to act like this! I'm not a developper but it makes me sick that people steal other people's work and make money from it. What can we do to help developers? Unfortunately on the market application page the report to Google feature is only for shocking content and you cannot detail the reasons.

If we leave comments on all countries market pages of the stolen applications maybe it could have bad consequences for the developers when they are returned their application, what do you think? :confused: Otherwise I'd be ready to leave comments on French market.
[Android Apps and Games] Blou_Aap:
Wow, the nerve.

Come now Google Wake up and fix the Market!
[Android Apps and Games] fbloise:
bloody bastard!
[Android Apps and Games] Martend:
This totally sucks, since I have the original TypoClock from Semicuda, the de-installation button on Appbrain is active.

That makes me want to try, if I install the original apk again and de-install it with the button of the stolen version, I would get a refund :)

Won't try it, cause I'm not a thief, but it just would be fun if that works. And would prevent thiefs from doing this once again.
[Android Apps and Games] anrabi4:
First simple apps, then Gameloft and Popcap... Not long now before they release the iPhone OS or Windows Phone 7 OS on the market o.o...
[Android Apps and Games] S_Dot:
wont work anyway
[Android Apps and Games] Martend:
@S_Dot: I know, was more thinking out loud, I do have silly thoughts some time and I do like that :)

@anrabi4: LoL tooo funny
[Android Apps and Games] tudor83:
So he is not a developer. He makes themes with a free online tool and sell
[Android Apps and Games] weaselaow:
Somebodyu conatc android.com about this ?
[Android Apps and Games] KarlosTheJackal:
I'm quite discussed that someone would do this! but i cant say that I'm not shocked to be honest.

Google needs a better market & a better way of signing apk's to the dev.

Puts me off learning to program....
[Android Apps and Games] Insomaniac10:
me > last 3 posts
[Android Apps and Games] Greenfieldan:
NOT that I would condone such a thing...but he's pretty much ripping off the greatest hacking community in the world...I'm amazed his computer is still functioning :rolleyes: ;)
[Android Apps and Games] maschm:
Hah yeah i was thinking the same thing.. ;)
[Android Apps and Games] tbaker077:
His computer, am surprised he is still functioning ;)
[Android Apps and Games] Dirk:
More here on the Android Community website...

http://androidcommunity.com/total-j...testing-publishes-to-android-market-20110111/
[Android Apps and Games] fanfan-liu:
I know how to parse his package name. nd stands for NetDragon, a Chinese company. Panda...well, the panda home. Proof? Just look at the package name of 91 panda home and you'll see. Or check here: http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-nd-android-pandahome-jtjm.aspx I think the company who made Panda home is behind this because their Chinese forum is full of warez and hacks.
[Android Apps and Games] gthing:
I haven't seen any discussion of reporting this to Google. Shouldn't be too hard for them to track this guy down as they have to be sending the money somewhere.

Has anyone tried reporting this?
[Android Apps and Games] cyberniko:
Where can we report ?

I reported my app from the market of course, but is there an email adress where we could write ?

This thread had been seen by a google staff on another website and I hope he reported to the right person.
[Android Apps and Games] Jimmy.tech96:
Its horrible how he can do this... :confused:
[Android Apps and Games] lms1407:
Why doesn't google do something?

I'm sure they read this forum too.

This is crazy.
[Android Apps and Games] sschrupp:
I noticed this a couple weeks ago and e-mailed Game Loft's developers. They e-mailed me back that they were forwarding this information to their legal department.

I also put a claim in to Google reporting this dirt-bag (here: http://www.google.com/android_dmca.html), as well as reporting a number of "his" apps in the marketplace stating they were stolen property.

I can't believe they're able to get away with this. Well, yes, I can believe because I know there are horrible people out there that try to scam the rest of society every day.

Google needs a way to verify apps that are submitted aren't stolen property. If there is no way there needs to be very harsh consequences to those that are caught.
[Android Apps and Games] Capostrophy:
Personally reported to vividgames and gameloft.

Even bought championship racing 2010 and left a review pointing people to the real developer before refunding.
[Android Apps and Games] cbdrift:
With the proof you have listed - why has google not revoked his market access?

Get onto the credit card peoples and force them to do revoke's on any transactions he's has had. Prove its a scam with your links.

He's a scammer who's preying on people - why does he still have market access?

Google can wipe their caches of things to remove his sites and links from having any benifit from his theft - google were quite happy to do this when the nexus s was being released - so "it cant be done" is not a valid response from them :|
[Android Apps and Games] Kyarra:
I wonder why there are no comments on his Apps (Zuma's Revenge for example)!

Why does nobody post there that this is a stolen App? Can he remove the comments??
[Android Apps and Games] gavtaylor:
There are a couple of online forms you can fill out...

Google Android Market Trademark complaint form

Publisher / Application Removals Contact Form

links taken from Android Market Support for Developers
[Android Apps and Games] torres76:
Do a sony and sue his arse. What a twat.
[Android Apps and Games] uralpongkhi:
Damn....his leg probably been pulled. Cant find any of his Apps in the market !
[Android Apps and Games] Beackman:
Great start Thanaos2042, i'm learning about programing in android, and now i'm safe from this guy.

This is unfortunate, and the biggest losers are the real developers, a pity that the vast majority of users of the market not know it. :(
[Android Apps and Games] highcoder:
Holy ****!

But that happens very often that free Apps/Programs were selled by such asholes... like for example the free Home Theater Software "MediaPortal" for Windows.

So for the future we should prepare the apps a little bit. The idea to upload the app on market as "draft" is a good one. So the AppName is blocked! And the most apps have an info window or something. So we should expand it al little bit and explicit write in it "This App is Free (or still beta or something)! If you´ve paid for it you are taken in by an App Thief! In this case inform... (me, xda, google, friends, grandma... whoever)"

With that modifications appstealing may be unattractive for those loosers...

just my 2 eurocents...
[Android Apps and Games] Anand J:
Nope.. He is still there with loads of things at least 50.. all buy version.. I cant believe this loser sells themes made from Pandapp on Market..

He is still very much on market. Zumas revenge, NBA, Task manager Pro..

May be everyone can just write this in their PS: DavinciDevelopers is a thief. He steals apps from forums and sells them on market

A facebook page "DaVinciDevelopers are thieves" would be awesome!!
[Android Apps and Games] jselden:
What an ass face. I am not a developer but i fully support all of their hard time and work put into every app they make. He still has about 50+ items in the market.

http://www.androlib.com/r.aspx?r=DavinciDevelopers

this dude needs to be caught and banned from the market by google.

I also noticed in the market if you open an app you can flag it and it will send it to google.
[Android Apps and Games] michelbites:
Wow I feel bad now. I bought one of the games and didn't even know he stole it. I just deleted the game. I think its wrong. I don't know if there is even a way to get a refund now. Its been to long. I don't want this thief to have my money. I want it to go to the hard working developers of the game.

I will have to watch what I download from now on in the market place.

The game I got was Zuma...
[Android Apps and Games] jgittins:
He's still getting sales from minigore and championship racing. I can't believe google would let this go on.
[Android Apps and Games] mortuus82:
haha what a fool. like he will be able do this for long... :rolleyes:
[Android Apps and Games] 95gs-t:
I just reported the apps as stolen, and provided the link to xda, maybe this will help. Maybe buy it leave a comment and uninstall fast to get a refund?
[Android Apps and Games] M1nur:
I feel sorry for the devs that this is happening to. I am not a dev but this really pisses me off. Best of luck to all the devs that this is happening to, i hope this guy gets what he has coming. j

P.S. Keep up the great work you guys are doing :p
[Android Apps and Games] husker91:
They say Karmas a ***** right? He'll get what he has coming for him.
[Android Apps and Games] chibucks:
seriously shady! they need to be stoned...
[Android Apps and Games] tbaker077:
Maybe someone should make a FB page talking about the scam he is pulling and make big sites like Androidcentral, Engadget, and Cnet know what this guy is doing.
[Android Apps and Games] Darnell_Chat_TN:
So sad to see activity like this going on. So disrespectful.
[Android Apps and Games] MrPontus:
Facking ash-hole...may he burn in hell.

A very evil thing to do :(

Google should remove everything and terminate his account
[Android Apps and Games] Socialoutcast:
New FB group created at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_121867674550084. It's an open group feel free to join!
[Android Apps and Games] El Norupz:
This is outrageous and a attack on the whole android community, especially the XDA and the indie developer community!!! :mad:

I sure hope that Google learn a thing or two by this case and makes sure it can't happen again. The most sad part though, are the developers who are dragged into this. I hope that this doesn't scare you off!

So dear developers / indie developers / XDA members, please continue your precious work and we will keedp the android spirit alive :D
[Android Apps and Games] El Norupz:
New big article about DavinciDevelopers and app theft on androidcommunity.com ;)
[Android Apps and Games] :
correct link address, please.
[Android Apps and Games] dikabuzz9447:
davincidevelopers suck
[Android Apps and Games] twiedekker:
thats really bad, i hope the community finds his identity

i really support android devs
[Android Apps and Games] El Norupz:
Fixed :o

Thanks for the heads up! ;)
[Android Apps and Games] kushXmaster:
I think the account had been deactivated or banned, thankfully. I hate when people steal other peoples work and call it their own.
[Android Apps and Games] MyNarwhalBacon:
I contacted pop cap games and they are contacting their legal representatives (Zuma's revenge), it's not for the awesome apps stolen here, but it's another way to shut him down! Next I am contacting Disney, Fox and any other themes with licensed images! I recommend doing the same!
[Android Apps and Games] majnu:
i cant believe this, I bought some apps from the market as I am not really technical with android from those developers. I feel like i've been robbed :mad:
[Android Apps and Games] infernodash:
Did you buy from DavinciDevelopers on the market? All of the market isn't tainted, just that specific dev. What steps have been suggested by xda to prevent any further thievery?
[Android Apps and Games] benjymous:
I found another one!

Author "Chris Burchett" on the market is also selling an assortment of ripped off apps, including stuff from here, and Gameloft games.

http://www.appbrain.com/browse/dev/Chris+Burchett

Can someone update the first post / title?

(edit)

Here a a few at random that seem to have all been stolen from slideme

"DroidBrainFk" (DroidBrainfuck)

fake:

http://www.appbrain.com/app/droidbrainfk/de.tynn.android.droidbrainfuck

real by tynn (Christian Schmitz)

https://slideme.org/en/application/droidbrainfuck

"Super Proxy" (anProxy)

fake:

http://www.appbrain.com/app/super-proxy/com.anproxy

real by igorsul (Igor Sul)

https://slideme.org/en/application/anproxy

Cool Flashlight

fake:

http://www.appbrain.com/app/cool-flashlight-(donate)/com.coolflashlight

real by igorsul (Igor Sul)

https://slideme.org/en/application/cool-flashlight-0
[Android Apps and Games] mr_deimos:
And there's another one by great developer Chris+Burchett:

my _free_ app:

http://slideme.org/en/application/shift

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=900376

And here it is stolen on the market:

http://www.appbrain.com/app/shift/org.deimos.andengine.shift

The f*cker didn't even bother to change the description :mad:

Anyone know a way to let someone at google know about this? The only way i found if "flag as inapropriate" button on the market, but i don't think one person flagging the app will make anyone notice.
[Android Apps and Games] benjymous:
I wonder if there's a way an app can detect if it was downloaded from the market

(or even detect the "author" according to the market) so an app uploaded here can refuse to function if put on the market by someone else, and refuse to function.
[Android Apps and Games] mr_deimos:
I was planning to put a screen that would show up on first launch that would inform user that the game should be free and get a refund if he paid for it. Oh well, i guess it's too late now :/
[Android Apps and Games] benjymous:
I've flagged it too - if it'll make any difference.

At least this guy seems to be based in the states - his website is listed as http://fastlaneautorepair.webs.com/ - a car repair shop apparently owned by a "Chad Burchett" - it looks like they don't do a great job, judging by their google reviews: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place...="fast+lane+auto+repair"+kentucky&hl=en&gl=uk

You could try submitting a DMCA complaint to google, and him (by email and post) - that might shock him into action.

http://www.google.com/support/androidmarket/bin/request.py?contact_type=dmca_complaint

(edit) I've also emailed gameloft and given them the details of their game being pirated - perhaps they'll be able to make google listen!)

(edit2) changed the DMCA link to google's own direct complaint form
[Android Apps and Games] mr_deimos:
Thanks for flagging the app and DMCA complaint link - i'm afraid it might come in handy for some devs, so putting it in the first post might be a good idea.

I sent the guy an email letting him know that i noticed my _free_ app being _sold_ by him and asking rather nicely to remove it from the market, and it seems to be gone now. I also mentioned gameloft's game in my email and that seems to be gone too. I don't know if he removed it himself or google took action, but the important thing is that there are at least two stolen apps less floating on the market.

Really, i don't know what motivates people to try to sell commecrial apps when in case anyone takes legal interest in their actions, their names, addresses and credit card numbers are available to google. And i don't think they would refrain from passing them on to the police if someone bothered to start an investigation. Not to mention that once something hits the internet, it stays around there, so even if they remove the stolen apps from the market, there's enough evidence around in numerous net archives and caches, discussins around the web, and of course in google servers: from what i've read an application deleted by market account owner isn't really removed from the servers. It's just hidden from new users, but the ones who bought it can still install it for quite some time.
[Android Apps and Games] DroidDotBot:
-inurl:htm -inurl:html -inurl:asp intitle:"index of" +(apk)

dunno if that helps :D ( just playing with .apk files on Xperia X8 - Eclaired )

STOP the thieves, !!!

credits/rewards - to where there due !!!
[Android Apps and Games] trekkie1701c:
I don't play nice with thieves :D
[Android Apps and Games] appelflap:
Noticed today that this is becoming some kind of game on the market. Someone is selling apps that are part of the standard software package that comes with a phone. For example Crazy Kart Racing that comes with the Galaxy S phones. Another "genius" was selling the gingerbread keyboard published here.. Man, this is getting totally out of hand. Big, big leak in the Android publishing system. Hope the Google Android team can fix that.
[Android Apps and Games] Junkdown:
True, all stolen Apps have been deleted.

I would be interested also by whom it was deleted :confused:

There are people like me who have lots of ideas and realize they can not :(

Other people have no ideas and still want to get rich, so they prefer to steal.
[Android Apps and Games] sijju:
hey,

Identity theft, piracy, forgery!!!! all as petty as they may seem to offenders!!!!

There will be an end to it all... After all nothing is free anymore...is it :)

On a personal note, developers put in their life into making the best app for customers. There should be stricter regulations governing claiming apps, security to APK files, etc.

Cheers
[Android Apps and Games] Anderdroid:
I know of a way to protect yourself from this happening. Will be making a simple tutorial soon. What it will do is force close if the package name is tampered with, maybe say it's stolen then force close. This way he won't be able to get it past a force close.

I will be implementing this method into all of my apps and I will post it in a topic here later.
[Android Apps and Games] appelflap:
Let me guess:

Static final String myPackageName = "blabla" (or spread this assignment so that it hardly can be read in a smali decompilation)

If !(getPackageName.equals(myPackageName))

...
[Android Apps and Games] Anderdroid:
That is the simple way to do it however an even deeper way would be to make a small native library and use the NDK and JNI and load the check through there. Hard to explain but it would end up being extra secure as I'm not sure how deep into the java these guys can go into it. They seem to be slightly smart but they aren't smart enough to make their own apps, so they're probably not smart enough to decompile a C library that was compiled through the NDK.
[Android Apps and Games] vennarbank:
I also saw in one of the other forums where they asked to install some 'applanet' app and then a person can get all the paid apps as free. I think this is illegal. But i do not have more knowledge on this. Can you guys comment on this also.
[Android Apps and Games] appelflap:
Don't forget the miracles that can be done by using a simple hex editor ;)

But I wouldn't assume that these crooks are genial hackers.

Btw I suggest to put a simple about box in the app with all kind of references to sites, mail addresses, twitter accounts etc. That way you have at least "signed" your app so the authenticity can be verified all the times. Ok that wouldn't keep these scumbags from stealing the app but at least it will frustrate them. (and at all times you can show that it is your app... Unless they are so clever as the hackers in the movie "the net". But I really wouldn't count on that.. If they go on this way I think they will become the victim of a "the net" scenario)

The best way to protect the app is IMO to build in a check on a file somewhere on the Internet. If the app is pirated you can just delete this file and with a simple procedure you can let the appnshow a message that the app is stolen.

In an update one can refer to another file somewhere on the Internet.

To write a procedure for this is really simple.
[Android Apps and Games] burtcom:
But then you get users complaining that they can't run the app when they're offline.
[Android Apps and Games] burtcom:
Of course that would be illegal.

Sounds to me like a phishing attempt to harvest gmail accounts.
[Android Apps and Games] appelflap:
It is enough to do the check just once. On the first run would be best. If users download it from the market they are online anyway. The chance that they are still online when they fire up the app the first time is pretty big. But if there isn't a connection on the first run you can postpone the check. Only thing that has to be done is to check if there's a internet connection and if so, do the file check. If the check fails there are all kind of ways to prevent that the app can be runned the next time.
[Android Apps and Games] Archer:
TBH, that plus decent obfuscation should actually be enough to put off anyone who doesn't go further than a simple hex editor. I strongly doubt that any of these thefting monkeys know anything about reverse engineering. If they did, they could make more money making their own apps!

I'd be tempted to take this one step further and make a consequence of a bad check send me a link to the market app, so I know about it and can inform google that they're handling stolen goods. Maybe make the email go directly to google, and just cc me.
[Android Apps and Games] appelflap:
:) Absolutely agree. In my opinion it are just kids that accidentally discovered something. (and will only discover more as long we discuss this in public ... The terms they read here can make those kids evolve and become resistant like a virus Lol

And a email to their mom :)
[Android Apps and Games] DS1495:
I actually just went to applanet and entered the chat room on their site and gave them a little piece of my mind. They're a bunch of immature app stealing fools. Absolutely ridiculous. Then they banned me from the chat room.
[Android Apps and Games] Odinbear:
Its worth a try?

(Shortend for size)

and

If We All do the following it might spoil their day.

Followed the links in the above posts and scrolled down to the Websites "Contact us" links and have sent them links to this forum so they can see for themselves. Also going to do the same with the Google developers site mentioned in an earlier post.

If we all do this and get the rest of the XDA Developers Members (3,334,362) and (573,982) active, to do the same they would have to do something. It would be one hell of a voice..