This covers unauthorized use of copyrighted material (music, artwork, video, code) or trademarked names/logos/characters inside your app or its store listing — distinct from impersonating a brand's identity, this is about using their actual protected assets.
Frequently triggered by fan-made apps or games that reuse a franchise's characters, music, or artwork without a license, or by apps that bundle copyrighted media files they don't have distribution rights to.
"We received a complaint that your app infringes the intellectual property rights of a third party. Your app has been removed pending resolution, per Google Play's Intellectual Property policy."
The intellectual-property policy prohibits unauthorised use of copyrighted material, such as music, artwork, video and code, and of trademarked names, logos and characters, inside an app or its listing. It differs from impersonation, because it concerns using someone's actual protected assets. Fan-made apps and apps that bundle media without distribution rights are typical triggers.
Creators and companies depend on control over their work. If a store distributes apps that copy it, rights holders lose income and users may later lose the app when it is removed. Google acts on valid infringement notices and expects developers to hold the rights to what they include. The policy protects creators and also gives developers a clear standard: content that a developer did not create or license is not theirs to distribute.
Google can remove content and act on the account, depending on the case.
Yes, within the terms of that licence.
It depends on the use and applicable law, and listings are reviewed carefully.
Platform rules change often. This page is a plain-language explanation written by AppReviewFix, not official guidance. Check the current Google Play Developer Policy Center for the exact wording.