yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Apps and Games] scary alien:
No, not directly. You can use a tool that I hesitate to mention here (lol ;)) that will decompile your project and show you some symbolic versions of the Java instructions. It will show you clear-text of your AndroidManifest.xml file, but there's not anything secret or proprietary in those anyway. It will also break-out the various files in your resource directory (like your icons, images, etc.). But your code it pretty safe.

A malicious hacker could monkey with your .apk with a hex editor and try to make it his/her own. However, as has been discussed here before, most of the jerks ripping people off are taking the easy road. So, some simple preventative measures should make them look elsewhere.

Its like if you lock your doors, a thief will probably just try another house or car. If he/she really wants in, they probably can--its just a matter of how much time and effort they are willing to take (and how easy you've made it for them).

Cheers!

P.S. the tool I mentioned is published here on XDA...its not really a secret...I just don't want to make it that much easier for a thief, lol.
[Android Apps and Games] FireFly:
Thanks for these informations ;)
[Android Apps and Games] denshigomi:
Thanks for the warning!

Hmm, hopefully .apk files aren't to easy to decompile. Is there an .apk obfuscator available?
[Android Apps and Games] appelflap:
You can use a java obfuscator. Or write code the old spaghetti way :D
[Android Apps and Games] 007K:
thanks for these information. Quite shocking :eek:
[Android Apps and Games] SenorCarbone:
You can use proguard to obfuscate your classes in build-time.

It's pretty handy and easy to use in eclipse.

I believe every published app should use this kind of obfuscation.
[Android Apps and Games] ipbron:
Wow quite shocking. Is there any way i can help in this situation ?
[Android Apps and Games] sebasmiles:
This being the case, the correct action is to send a C&D letter to google as they're not only spreading pirated materials but if they are making any money off the transfer then they will also in breach. Or am I wrong? The music industry was able to shut down torrents just because they "pointed" in the right direction....
[Android Apps and Games] rogershroed1991:
That's an interesting idea and if you could actually convince Google to pay attention to you, it might work. Getting their attention isn't easy though. They also don't supervise the market much and there are a lot of blatantly illegal apps that stay up.
[Android Apps and Games] sampainho:
Shouldn't they be called DavinciStealers instead??? :D
[Android Apps and Games] smokin901:
Interesting................
[Android Apps and Games] burtcom:
Thats a good idea -- send a DMCA takedown notice to google :)

http://rising.blackstar.com/how-to-send-a-dmca-takedown-notice.html
[Android Apps and Games] xriderx66:
PERFECT!

Lets send Google hundreds of emails of DMCA takedown notices... lol.
[Android Apps and Games] archboy69:
People like this are unacceptable. I've reported for every app in the market but seems like they are still there. Google needs to get with this.

Maybe I need to call my cousin Vinnie and have a little 'talk' with these sleaze bags.
[Android Apps and Games] despotovski01:
And I was just thinking uploading my ADW theme...:confused:
[Android Apps and Games] vimaldas:
Too Bad

I was thinking of posting my new game APK here, But now I am worried. Ill first put in market and then put the link here
[Android Apps and Games] jgittins:
You can upload it to the market as "draft" so nobody else can upload it, but it wont be public on the market.
[Android Apps and Games] rezaldi:
:mad:

on appbrain

there still 3 product

that belong to davinci developer
[Android Apps and Games] darksulfur5:
What a ****. Developers post their apps so we can use them for free or test them on the forums. Not so this idiot can steal them.
[Android Apps and Games] imneo1:
is it possible to somehow alert google so they will remove his so called apps and lock his account ?

Just found this:

http://rising.blackstar.com/how-to-send-a-dmca-takedown-notice.html
[Android Apps and Games] seldeen:
Another (Possible) Solution

Hi. New to the forum and just opened the box with my Android tablet (vs gtab) a few days ago. Haven't read the full chain (but several pages). Whoever is stealing apps is a real creep, but is probably making cash and will continue. Instead of going to a lot of trouble to code-protect your apps, why not just be the first to upload them to the google market place and set price as free? Being "first to market" is always an advantage when determining authenticity. Anyway, thanks to everyone for the work they do and advice they give.
[Android Apps and Games] fifarunnerr:
I heard there's an option in market to add an Application but set it as 'draft'. This will reserve the packagename, and the app won't be visible to users. If you put application here, nobody can put application in market because it's packagename isn't available anymore.

AFAIK there's no option to change packagename if you do not have the source of the APP.
[Android Apps and Games] driftmc:
thanks for share,my girl friend is using it
[Android Apps and Games] Zim415:
Some people will lower themselves to any level to make money off of others hard work, claiming the credit for themselves. Unfortunately I have seen this happen repeatedly in professional business; so someone doing something of this nature, while it is very lame that they are stealing others work, it does not surprise me that people are out there doing it.

In fact I'm surprised this isn't more of an issue considering, from what I've read on this thread, that google apparently doesn't do any sort of signature verification.
[Android Apps and Games] murphyinspain:
You always need to be careful, try and keep it between known friends
[Android Apps and Games] GTIVRon:
I read only the first 10 pages and didn't see this noted.. but many internet site providers will have a section in their ToS about using their services in relation to fraud etc.. etc..

This may be anther route some of the bigger-pocketed companies will take, having their legal departments get involved with the legal departments of the respective websites.

If that's the case, the guy with the autoshop will most likely go under.

I sincerely hope the big companies will hit these guys HARD. I'm talking lifetime of debt paying off lawsuits etc.

I also hope the good-conscienced hackers will track him down and post his name, address, phone number, etc. for the public to see.
[Android Apps and Games] Brut.all:
It's possible through some hacking.
[Android Apps and Games] thongdtk31:
OH... I hate those person.. they'er so bad :mad::mad::mad::mad:
[Android Apps and Games] ammarcool12:
how dare that idiot!!! :@@@@
[Android Apps and Games] tekhinator:
That's just sad.
[Android Apps and Games] broconz:
haha how really glad to see this website is already taken down
[Android Apps and Games] RFLabs:
that was bad
[Android Apps and Games] Kisscool841:
i've just been reading the first post and if i'ts true they should be ashamed...
[Android Apps and Games] Syndacate:
This is definitely one of the sickest things I've read in awhile.

I mean, it's completely disgusting that somebody is that dishonest, but okay, there are good apples and there are bad ones, fair enough, but ****, if he actually develops stuff, where the hell does his honor go as a software developer? I guess he doesn't, though, if all of his stuff is stolen or they're free wall-papers packaged up and sold.

Somebody should contact that wallpaper tool and check the licensing rules for wallpapers created with it, he might be in violation of their license agreement...unfortunately nothing can be done about the apps.

I'm a little confused as to what's going on, so people post their APK package here, he downloads it, but then how does he change the package name? Shouldn't the app name be assembled at compile time, along with the package name, icon, etc.? File name shouldn't matter, will it?

*sigh* - Either way, some people are sick..
[Android Apps and Games] baz8080:
Good to know, I hadn't thought anybody would have been doing stuff like this until I saw the sticky. It would make anyone wary of throwing their APKs around.
[Android Apps and Games] roxin.phoenix:
Oh, that's really bad. What a dare people they are.
[Android Apps and Games] sonnygalaxytab:
thank you very much
[Android Apps and Games] kruuth:
Zuma's Revenge is still being passed as one of theirs.
[Android Apps and Games] vamp6x6x6x:
I have read the first page and I have to say that the part about using free theme making sites to make and sell themes don't find a big deal...

But as far as him stealing apps from hard working devs here that is very bad in my book.

And as for him stealing from Gameloft; well, he may have dug his own grave there.
[Android Apps and Games] azraal:
Well this may be stupid, but is there a way from inside the program to check the signature?

if so, you could add some "try catch" statement that'd stop the program from working

and show a stolen app disclaimer... If he is no dev even with proper tools he could not prevent it...

Just an idea
[Android Apps and Games] scary alien:
Yes, check out my post http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=11310250&postcount=175 re. a twist on the package obfuscation idea that appelflap posted early-on.
[Android Apps and Games] anhtuank15:
thanks you so must !
[Android Apps and Games] Jose Manuel Ortega Torres:
Wow, I can't believe this :mad:
[Android Apps and Games] sevensaints:
his weebly no longer running...where do u want to run ? hehehe
[Android Apps and Games] donrisotto:
Posting content of a sexual or offensive nature is against the terms of agreement when you put anything on the market. If there exists such conetent it's just google being lazy and not getting rid of it quickly enough.
[Android Apps and Games] cstone1991:
Wow this just makes me sick. I could almost accept someone pirating the occasional paid app for their own personal use, but this is downright disgusting. I don't know how someone can bring themselves to steal someone else's work and not only claim it as their own but sell it!

Best of luck to all of you devs! I am glad to read that there are at least ways you can protect yourself although it is sad that you have to.

As others have said I am sure that the people that are doing this will get what is coming to them. That is only a matter of time. They will piss off the wrong person or company and they will get theirs.

Sent from my GSB Eris
[Android Apps and Games] Pneuma1985:
Youd be surprise how often this happens there are tons of apps up on the blackmarket that basically are stolen oh well hackers will steal!!! Cant say its right but its googles fault no one elses there security system is Sh*t and the way the digital signatures work is not secure at all! It seems the only app that has actually solved the stolen app problem is titanium backup and hackers have even removed that code from there app and resigned it..(working)
[Android Apps and Games] HTCandroid1:
Such a cheeky thing to do, people put effort in to developing and someone steals it and makes money... Guess similar things happen all the time but so wrong
[Android Apps and Games] xriderx66:
oh shut up guys, its over.

If he didn't do it someone else would've its wrong, but its a idea.

and it would've come to everybody else's mind sooner or later.

After i read this, i went to myself "Why didn't i think of this before?"

He made a few bucks out of it, and left so someone close the thread because DavinciDevelopers do not exist anymore (i think)
[Android Apps and Games] fifarunnerr:
http://www.appbrain.com/browse/dev/DavinciDevelopers

Not all of his applications are removed :(
[Android Apps and Games] k4205:
That's Dirty! :mad:

F-Bomb them!
[Android Apps and Games] Mariuxtheone:
The fact is Google doesn't use signature as first control on Market Apps, they use the Package name generated in Java.

So if you don't upload your app first to the market, before posting it on XDA, then anyone can pick up your app and upload it as their own.

So, first rule: ALWAYS UPLOAD YOUR APP ON THE MARKET BEFORE POSTING IT ELSEWHERE.

Easy ;-)
[Android Apps and Games] hikkifan17:
This is quite sad, people stealing them and claiming its theres. x_x
[Android Apps and Games] slapshot136:
guess I won't be posting the full source code of anything marketable..
[Android Apps and Games] Arkancrow:
I believe that the APK is enough to steal your work.

Which is sad.

As stated before, I think the best protection is to publish a draft version of your application on the market before publishing publicly.

It protect the name / package of your application but it also prove you where the first to publish it.

And don't hesitate to update the draft frequently until release.
[Android Apps and Games] rogershroed1991:
Yeah ... that's basically all you have to do.
[Android Apps and Games] herbert1:
If your app is open source (e.g. GPL ) you could at least have some support from the community and you would have a real licence to protect your work... ;)
[Android Apps and Games] Ficus*:
yep, the problem is that not every developer knows this. or even knows that someone is deliberately stealing apps in progress found on internet
[Android Apps and Games] Irwell:
Wow, this is shocking! Google need to get onto this and fix the way the market works.
[Android Apps and Games] DizzyThermal:
Damn DavinciDevelopers.. That's so lame.. Instead of caring about the opensource community and thanking talented developers for their hard work they just repackage and ship out.. such crap.. :mad:
[Android Apps and Games] yglup:
I am a new developer, and I have had an app stolen. it's crazy because it's really just a simple app. But I'm aware that there are forums where they crack apps, but that's not entirely bad, it's free press and advertisement for your work, not right, but still yet your work is seen and proper due is given when due. And people, honest people will buy, and if your app is free with ads, then you get more money for free. but somebody stealing your app and putting their name and signature, wow..... DAMAGING, NO CREDIT OR RESPECT!

PLEASE PM ME WITH MORE INFO!!!!!!!!!!!
[Android Apps and Games] surviveland:
i can't believe it. if the app is free on the market. we can attach it here. but if is payable, so do not attach it here. so easy.

send from my browser
[Android Apps and Games] scary alien:
Not exactly so simple...;)

If you develop an app and post it here (free or not) and someone (presumably nefarious) uploads it to the Android Market, they now own that app's package name and have control over the app and can decide to charge for your (previously free) app and put whatever comments they choose to in its app description, etc.

If, as an app developer, you think you might ever publish something in the Market, you'd be wise to publish a draft version of your app (in the developer's console) so that the package name for that app is in your control.

Cheers!
[Android Apps and Games] Corey Bryant:
I was reading through this thread and I probably missed a page.

I was finalizing a couple of things but after reading this post, I stopped at giving him the final information.

It looks like you might need to upload a "draft" to get the name? Is there a default draft or something that can be uploaded to make sure I get the right names?
[Android Apps and Games] scary alien:
You just need to build an .apk file that has / uses the package name that you want to reserve and publish that as a draft version (i.e., from your developer's console).

You'll have to include some graphics too, but these can be anything you want since they'll never be seen by anyone but you until you actually publish it (I actually created my assets (images) that simply contain the text "draft - unpublished app!! not yet intended for release on the Android Market -- contact me for more information").

Hope that helps.

Cheers!
[Android Apps and Games] appelflap:
Wow, is this still going on? Google is continuously updating the market with new functionalities, and this isn't addressed yet?
[Android Apps and Games] Corey Bryant:
Thanks scary alien - I might take you up on this. I was going through the information on how to create the App and I did not know which one I should download, etc.

I have version 2.2 on my Dell Streak 7 (I heard on the news that anyone under 2.3 is at risk for potential hackers).

I would just feel a bit more comfortable before finalizing everything.
[Android Apps and Games] surviveland:
OMG i can't believe it.so it seems we cannot put apk here?
[Android Apps and Games] scary alien:
No you can, you'd just be advised to upload your .apk app as a draft on the Android Market via your developer's console first (it won't show up for anyone but you until you actually pubilsh it, but your app's package name will be reserved due you uploading it as a draft (which will protect it from being hijacked)).

Cheers!
[Android Apps and Games] Zalyia38:
That is horrible. People really suck sometimes!

Thanks for posting this to make everyone aware.
[Android Apps and Games] ritejbisaria:
f***in disgustin man whrs the fun in stealing someone else's app?? beats thwe whole idea about innovativity..thnx for lettin us kno!
[Android Apps and Games] Zappescu:
It should be some international police force to preserve the work of enthusiastic people like us! :mad:
[Android Apps and Games] alanthemanofchicago:
YES. The xdA-Team.
[Android Apps and Games] SuperDeform:
lmao i hope u catch this guy
[Android Apps and Games] KahilYoung:
Ughhh... I really like how Android is an open platform, but let's face it...there needs to be a crackdown from Google. Just look at the Market and the apps going into it. Because of Google's lack of monitoring, the Market is full of spam apps, the same apps cloned a hundred times with different names, porn, apps stolen from other devs, etc. It really makes it difficult to find good apps to install/try. We all have seen how Google brags about the number of apps they have in the Market, but we all also know that a good portion of those apps shouldn't even be there.

As for stealing apps... It has become so rampant. I have seen my app stolen and posted for free on the net. They even copy and paste my app's description from the Market while conveniently leaving out the part of it that states that 100% of all proceeds go to help cancer patients in need. Now that's low... One thing I have noticed is that nearly all of them are on overseas servers. So there is little that can be done other than asking for it to be removed. On a brighter side though, I have had very good luck with getting files removed from the major file hosting sites as well as getting whole posts or sites removed because they were Blogger sites.

Also, beware of app review sites. I submitted my app to a major app review site...one of the big, supposedly trustworthy ones...and not too long after that, that is when I started seeing my app posted all over the internet. Coincidence? Unlikely... And they never even posted a review... So beware and leery of any app review site that requires you to also submit your apk file. I'd avoid it altogether.

Thankfully I do now have the app licensing enabled, so hopefully I won't see it posted much illegally....that is until someone finds a way to disable that.
[Android Apps and Games] intimnasc:
While I have a huge distaste for people stealing the work of others I am constantly reminded every day in life that many of us don't have any problem stealing music, movies, or software but we have a problem with stealing mobil apps. Kind of ironic eh? Just remember its hard to stand on a pedastal when you hack a phone to steal a service your provider sells, or when you DL music and videos that are the intellectual property rights of others, or how many of you used the hacked versions of Windows XP Pro for many years?

I by no means claim to be on holy ground as my Direct TV lawsuit cost me about 8,000 dollars because I built 3 emulators for friends. After that I removed all unlicensed software from everything I owned including movies and have never allowed my kids to DL anything they haven't paid for or that isn't free. I still have alot of my old music from my beloved Napster since I just can't get myself to delete all of it for sentimental reasons.

I try to pay for all my apps legitimately but remember where you draw your moral lines may only be a shade away from where others draw theirs.
[Android Apps and Games] AgentSmith:
Downloading software and music is one thing. Selling it afterwards is another.

There is nothing wrong with downloading music. It's not fraud nor is it theft. If internet would not exist would I have thousands of cd's? For sure not. I don't have the money and if I did I would send it on other things.

'Intellectual property' is a great invention by people that just want to make more money. If I would make music I'd like to share it freely with everybody. Gratis! I would live of live performances and probably gifts from fans who can spare some. I am not part of the community that made collecting money by all means an 'art' and as such socially accepted. I live my life quite differently and like so don't care about so called missed income of other people.

If however those same people would try to profit from my work behind my back I would probably sue them for as much as I could. Not for the money obviously. But going against my principles like that just has to hurt where it hurts most: their wallet.

Again, downloading for personal use? Go ahead. No harm done. Enjoy the music. Don't feel guilty just because some people defending their huge money influx want you to. Treating others with respect, not fighting wars, living consciously, now those are far more important values. Unfortunately the so called justice system doesn't give a f*** about those.
[Android Apps and Games] xThe Enforcer:
That's sad...
[Android Apps and Games] dadoc04:
:eek::eek::eek:

horrible
[Android Apps and Games] appelflap:
In most civilized counties there is a real bad consequence for such a criminal act. They can be tracked and brought to court very easy. In the end they may loose a lot more than they gain at this moment.

Anyway thanks for the heads up!!
[Android Apps and Games] jr10000:
HEY Everyone if you click "vote to post to front page" then after enough votes it will be put on the homepage for everyone to see and yes it should be a sticky in every development page!!

Thanks for the heads up.. Im starting to develop apps myself so i would be furious if someone stole my work and sold it...
[Android Apps and Games] :
I doubt that DavinciDevelopers are based in such "civilized" countries. They wouldn't steal other people's work if they were afraid of legal consequences. Nobody would be that stupid..
[Android Apps and Games] appelflap:
Don't know. Maybe it's a kid who discovered something and thought, hey let's get some easy money with it. At least the way it is done indicates that he didn't think it through all the way... Man, this is the most idiosyncratic crime I've ever seen. It's like a kamikaze thief, just waiting to get caught.
[Android Apps and Games] rori~:
...Well said!!!!
[Android Apps and Games] EleCtrOx666:
Or maybe it's a kid that has a paid VPN...

But he had to pay registrion fee for publishing on the market, and the used credit card would most likely be his or the one from his parents, because if it was a stolen one, he would already be banned from Google, or, at least, not anymore on the market.

Maybe if a developer that had his application stolen send a fax to Google(Google's prefered contact method), Google will pursue him.
[Android Apps and Games] overground:
I think they're damn good developers and we all should support them! C'mon people, if they make a quality app, we should all be willing to pay for it!

Disclaimer: I'm just kidding...
[Android Apps and Games] Tre Lawrence:
Incredible... that blatant?
[Android Apps and Games] smeddy:
Some people should be taken outside and shot...

Sent this thread to PocketNow and (the appropriately named) Android Police
[Android Apps and Games] Kyarra:
I have posted a link to this thread on the German Android page "AndroidPit" so that all German Android user know about that!