The real problem here is a technical one: Apple needs to be more vigorous about refusing to register app names to other vendors that are too similar to existing

The real problem here is a technical one: Apple needs to be more vigorous about refusing to register app names to other vendors that are too similar to existing names. That would solve 80% of this. I came up with an app name and registered it successfully. Before publishing the app, I discovered that there was an app in the store with the exact name I registered. I contacted Apple for clarification of their policy and practice of excluding the use of existing names. They directed me to contact their legal department, but I had no reason to do so; the other app was first--my name had to change. I only wanted to know how it was technically possible that they allowed the registration. I contacted the other developer and compared notes. He confirmed that we had both been assigned the exact same name despite Apple's documentation indicating that this was impossible. We both wondered what would happen if I published my app, but, of course, I registered a new name instead of risking harm to either business. That said, if your IP is so easily copied that you are very vulnerable to this kind of thing, it may be an indication that you are picking the low-hanging fruit and that you need to step up your game a bit. Ideas are a dime a dozen, as are good names. If your algorithm and its implementation are very good, you will be much harder to catch.