1. An image processing apparatus, comprising: a retrieval unit adapted to extract a plurality of character strings that are present within an inputted image, and to retrieve a plurality of identical character strings within the plurality of extracted character strings; a determination unit adapted to determine whether or not the plurality of identical character strings retrieved by said retrieval unit are laid out regularly; and a processing unit adapted to carry out a process on the inputted image in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit, wherein said retrieval unit extracts a plurality of character strings that are present within the inputted image after a light color has been removed from the inputted image, and retrieves a plurality of identical character strings from among the plurality of extracted character strings; and said processing unit carries out a process on the inputted image, as it exists prior to the light color being removed therefrom, in accordance with a determination result from said determination unit.