Common questions about your branded app

Answers to the questions companies ask most about their branded (white-label) app — ownership, fees, keeping it live, and timelines.

Who owns the app and the developer accounts?

You do. The App Store and Google Play require an app to be published under the business that owns it, so the accounts are registered to your company and you're the legal owner. OpenCourt builds, submits, and maintains the app as an invited admin on your accounts — not as the owner.

What do we have to do to keep the app live?

Two things, and both are yours because the stores only let the account's owner do them (the Account Holder on Apple, the account owner on Google):

  • Keep a valid card on file and pay Apple's $99/year renewal. If the renewal fails, Apple removes your app from sale until it's paid. (Google's $25 is one-time.)

  • Accept new store agreements promptly. Apple and Google issue updated agreements a few times a year; until the owner accepts, we can't ship updates and Apple may eventually pull the app.

We'll flag what we can see, but we can't pay your renewal, accept agreements, or contact Apple for you — those are tied to your account's owner. Watch for the stores' emails, and loop us in if anything looks off.

Do we pay Apple or Google a cut of our sales?

No. Payments in your app run through OpenCourt and Stripe — not Apple's or Google's in-app billing — so there's no 15–30% store commission and no payout bank account or tax forms to set up with the stores. You still pay the flat membership fees (Apple $99/year, Google $25 once) for the right to publish the applications under your business name.

Why does Apple ask for a photo ID and a phone call?

Both stores verify the real business behind an app. Apple checks a government photo ID and your authority to act for the company (a "binding authority" check, sometimes a quick call); Google checks your D-U-N-S, ID, and registration documents. It's a one-time step at setup.

How long until our app is live?

The D-U-N-S number sets the pace — if you need a new one, allow about a week via Apple’s lookup tool. Once your accounts exist, building, branding, and store review usually take a few more days per store.

Our app disappeared or stopped updating — what happened?

Almost always one of the two maintenance items above: a lapsed renewal (Apple pulls the app until you renew) or an unaccepted agreement (updates stop until the owner accepts it). Sign in to App Store Connect or Play Console, clear the notice (renew your card or accept the agreement), and tell us — we'll confirm everything's back. If neither applies, reach out — occasionally a store flags an app during review and we'll work it through with you.

What happens if we stop working with OpenCourt?

The accounts and the app are yours. We hand over full control and remove our access — nothing is locked to OpenCourt. Apple and Google both support transferring ownership to your own staff.