Rajesh Chatterjee, based in Hamilton, New Zealand, registered the appsnetwork.co domain on September 3rd, 2012. The Apps Network website itself does not disclose ownership information for the mobile app business.
Chatterjee launched the Network Empire MLM opportunity earlier that year in April. That venture involved paying the company to build a website, then renting it back for a promised return on investment. This model, combined with recruitment commissions, raised questions about its legitimacy as an MLM product.
Network Empire collapsed in July 2012. Affiliates received no payments after June, though the company website remained active. Chatterjee then sent an email to a top affiliate, stating, "You're getting THE PRODUCT that you've purchased. You have NOT purchased the income and that can't be guaranteed." He added, "Be rest assured, I've checked my legal liabilities long back and happy to see anyone in the court of law – should we both wish to host & fund a costly lawyers feast."
Network Empire's compensation plan guaranteed affiliates a $10 monthly return for the first three months. It promised $20 per month over the next three years for each website affiliates purchased.
Three months after Network Empire's collapse, Chatterjee launched Apps Network. This new company creates mobile phone apps for affiliates to purchase.
Apps Network offers apps for various sectors. These include real estate agents, car dealers, feng shui classes, and fitness guides. Other listed categories, such as salons, spas, restaurants, chiropractors, and plastic surgeons, are marked "work in progress."
The Apps Network compensation plan pays commissions based on new member recruitment and monthly membership fees. The company offers four membership tiers. Gold PersonalApp costs $100, and Gold LocalBiz costs $200. Platinum PersonalApp is $100 plus $10 a month, and Platinum LocalBiz is $200 plus $10 a month.
Gold plans pay one-time recruitment commissions on a single level. Platinum plans offer recruitment commissions down ten levels and include monthly residual commissions from membership fees.