Microsoft claims Nintendo should alert it to Mario clones on the Windows Store
Attack of the clones
There's always a certain amount of controversy involved in running an online app store and deciding what should and shouldn't be allowed on it.
In the past, for example, Google has been criticised over the number of emulators on its digital marketplace. And for failing to immediately remove copyright-infringing games from Google Play.
Next in the firing line, seemingly, is Microsoft, whose Windows Store has recently become 'home' to a spate of Nintendo clones.
In a statement to our sister site PocketGamer.biz, though, the Redmond giant states it's not its responsibility to spot copyright infringements on its marketplace. Rather, it's up to the company whose copyright has been infringed to report the app to Microsoft to begin the removal process.
Reports are in"With regards to trademark infringement, with every app there is an option to report the app for violating the Windows Store's Terms of Use," a Microsoft spokesperson told PocketGamer.biz.
"If a company feels a Windows Store app is infringing on its copyrights or trademarks, it should report the app and we will take immediate action to determine if the app should be removed from the Windows Store."
In short, Microsoft isn't willing to sift through its 100,000 apps in search of copyright-infringing material or filter out dubious-looking apps at the approval stage.
Instead, The Big M is leaving it up to the individual developers and publishers to alert it to IP-lifting software on its app store. And then acting accordingly on a case-by-case basis.
Sensible move? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
