Apple copied name of health platform, claims start-up

An Australian start-up has complained that Apple has “used” its name to launch a new health-related app.

HealthKit’s platform aims to connect doctors and patients, while Apple’s service of the same name operates in a similar way, while also providing health information.

In a blog post, the start-up’s co-founder, Alison Hardacre, said the ‘HealthKit’ name is already in use and that she is disappointed by Apple’s behaviour.

“I'm flattered that they like our name so much and that it's a ringing endorsement for our market opportunity (which we already knew),” she said. “However, as an Apple fan, I feel let down. They didn't feel that they had to do a quick domain search—it would have taken five seconds to type www.healthkit.com into their browser and discover us.

“Would it have made any difference to them? Are they so big that they are above doing an ordinary Google search? Let us know what you think at @healthkit (yes, it's our Twitter handle), or you can tell Apple's CEO exactly how you feel about this on his Twitter handle, @tim_cook,” she added.

Despite HealthKit’s complaint, it does not appear to own an Australian or US trademark for the name.

Apple declined to comment on the matter.