Musi Launches Legal Battle Against Apple Following Controversial App Store Removal
YouTube wrapper app Musi has filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Apple following its removal from the App Store on September 24th. The Manitoba-based company claims the removal was unjustified and violated their development agreement.
App Store open on iPhone screen
Musi's app enabled users to access YouTube's content through an enhanced interface, offering features like silent full-screen ads and a broader music selection than traditional streaming services. The app never launched on Android due to ongoing disputes with Google.
Key points of the lawsuit:
- Musi's discussions with YouTube date back to 2015, with the company claiming it always aimed to comply with YouTube's Terms of Service
- In 2021, YouTube accused Musi of multiple violations, including unauthorized commercial use and improper access to non-public interfaces
- YouTube filed a formal complaint with Apple in August 2023, citing intellectual property rights infringement
- Despite Musi's attempts to address these concerns, Apple removed the app in September 2023
The lawsuit alleges that Apple's removal decision was "unreasonable, lacked good cause, and violated Apple's Development Agreement's terms." Musi claims the removal has caused significant financial and reputational damage to their business.
The company is seeking damages and requesting both preliminary and permanent injunctions to restore the app to the App Store platform.
