[android-developers] Re: Maps API in paid App
WARNING: IANAL / IANAGE If the Google Maps API terms are to be taken into account, then publishing a paid app with a map could be considered a violation. Just because your app hasn't been pulled doesn't mean a thing. I'm guessing at least 50% of the apps in the market violate the market terms for violation of copyrights (every sound board for instance), and they aren't being pulled either. Does that mean they are in compliance or does it mean that Google isn't proactive in enforcing their terms at the moment? According to definition, a commercial application is one that is used for, connected with, engaged in, sponsored by or used in commerce or commercial enterprises, such as AP News or Best Buy shopping. A non-commercial application might be for a non-profit, a hobby site or something along that line. An application that requires payment to use is absolutely a non-free use of the maps and is in violation of 9.1 of the Maps API TOS. Then again, what do I know? WARNING: IANAL / IANAGE (I a not Google Employee, however, I've visited the Googleplex!) -John Coryat -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
[android-developers] Re: Maps API in paid App
Well I know the next reply will be hire an attorney and don't ask us on this list but here goes anyway. :-) Doesn't the Android Maps API TOS refer to and incorporate the general Google Maps API TOS (with the prohibition about charging for the app)? That is the way I read it. However if people are charging for Android apps with the Maps API then I guess the answer is that Google does not think there is a prohibition against charging for such an app. On Jan 5, 7:52 am, TreKing treking...@gmail.com wrote: I think you're reading the wrong TOS. When you sign up for a developer API key for Android (http://code.google.com/android/add-ons/google-apis/maps-api-signup.html) there is a a different TOS, which states: 5.4. Subject to these Terms, you may develop, display and/or distribute your Maps API Implementation as part of a commercial or non-commercial enterprise. - TreKing - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered deviceshttp://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking On Tue, Jan 5, 2010 at 12:00 AM, mikek mik...@gmail.com wrote: According to the terms for use of Google Maps API, http://code.google.com/apis/maps/terms.html Incorporating the Maps API into your application is free as long as the app is also free. Otherwise, you need a commercial license. A commercial license for $10K is a heck of a lot of $1.99 apps. Does anyone have any insight on alternative payment structures for the Maps API. Excerpt from terms.html: 9.1 Free, Public Accessibility to Your Maps API Implementation. Your Maps API Implementation must be generally accessible to users without charge. You may require users to log in to your Maps API Implementation if you do not require users to pay a fee. Unless you have entered into a separate written agreement with Google or obtained Google's written permission, your Maps API Implementation must not: (a) require a fee-based subscription or other fee-based restricted access; or (b) operate only behind a firewall or only on an internal network (except during the development and testing phase). -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.comandroid-developers%2bunsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
Re: [android-developers] Re: Maps API in paid App
Doesn't the Android Maps API TOS refer to and incorporate the general Google Maps API TOS (with the prohibition about charging for the app)? I don't think so ... Section 1.2: 1.2. Unless otherwise agreed in writing with Google, the Terms will include the following: 1) the terms and conditions set forth in this document (the Maps APIs Terms); 2) the Legal Notices ( http://www.google.com/intl/en-us/help/legalnotices_maps.html); and 3) the Privacy Policy (http://www.google.com/privacy.html). Before you use the Maps APIs, you should read each of the documents comprising the Terms, and print or save a local copy for your records. As far as I can tell, that doesn't include the general Maps TOS. Does it say otherwise somewhere else? (I really only skimmed it) Also, in section 1.3 of the Android Maps TOS: If there is any contradiction between what any Additional Terms say and what the Maps APIs Terms say, then the Maps APIs Terms will take precedence only as it relates to the Maps APIs, and not to any other Services. To me that means that even if there is a conflict, the Android Maps TOS takes precedence over the general TOS as it applies to Android Apps. However if people are charging for Android apps with the Maps API then I guess the answer is that Google does not think there is a prohibition against charging for such an app. Agreed. There are TONS of paid apps that use Google maps (including my own) and they are not being pulled or banned (as far as I know and I, at least, haven't been issued any warning regarding this use). Also, IANAL - I love that acronym btw =) - TreKing - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered devices http://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking On Tue, Jan 5, 2010 at 12:08 PM, jotobjects jotobje...@gmail.com wrote: Doesn't the Android Maps API TOS refer to and incorporate the general Google Maps API TOS (with the prohibition about charging for the app)? That is the way I read it. However if people are charging for Android apps with the Maps API then I guess the answer is that Google does not think there is a prohibition against charging for such an app. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
[android-developers] Re: Maps API in paid App
Thanks much! You're right of course, I was assuming the conditions of the general Maps API TOS. It's clear that Google is not requiring a fee for use of Maps API in Android apps. On Jan 5, 10:22 am, TreKing treking...@gmail.com wrote: Doesn't the Android Maps API TOS refer to and incorporate the general Google Maps API TOS (with the prohibition about charging for the app)? I don't think so ... Section 1.2: 1.2. Unless otherwise agreed in writing with Google, the Terms will include the following: 1) the terms and conditions set forth in this document (the Maps APIs Terms); 2) the Legal Notices (http://www.google.com/intl/en-us/help/legalnotices_maps.html);and 3) the Privacy Policy (http://www.google.com/privacy.html). Before you use the Maps APIs, you should read each of the documents comprising the Terms, and print or save a local copy for your records. As far as I can tell, that doesn't include the general Maps TOS. Does it say otherwise somewhere else? (I really only skimmed it) Also, in section 1.3 of the Android Maps TOS: If there is any contradiction between what any Additional Terms say and what the Maps APIs Terms say, then the Maps APIs Terms will take precedence only as it relates to the Maps APIs, and not to any other Services. To me that means that even if there is a conflict, the Android Maps TOS takes precedence over the general TOS as it applies to Android Apps. However if people are charging for Android apps with the Maps API then I guess the answer is that Google does not think there is a prohibition against charging for such an app. Agreed. There are TONS of paid apps that use Google maps (including my own) and they are not being pulled or banned (as far as I know and I, at least, haven't been issued any warning regarding this use). Also, IANAL - I love that acronym btw =) - TreKing - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered deviceshttp://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking On Tue, Jan 5, 2010 at 12:08 PM, jotobjects jotobje...@gmail.com wrote: Doesn't the Android Maps API TOS refer to and incorporate the general Google Maps API TOS (with the prohibition about charging for the app)? That is the way I read it. However if people are charging for Android apps with the Maps API then I guess the answer is that Google does not think there is a prohibition against charging for such an app. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
