DOJ seizes domain names involved in illegal distribution of Android apps

The Department of Justice announced last week that they had seized three website domains that were involved in illegally distributing copyrighted Android apps. This was the first time domains had been seized in relation to smartphone apps.

The domains are applanet.net, appbucket.net and snappzmarket.com and visitors are now greeted with the seizure banner (at right) often associated with other takedowns.

“Criminal copyright laws apply to apps for cell phones and tablets, just as they do to other software, music and writings. These laws protect and encourage the hard work and ingenuity of software developers entering this growing and important part of our economy. We will continue to seize and shut down websites that market pirated apps, and to pursue those responsible for criminal charges if appropriate,” said U.S. Assistant Attorney General Breuer.