Finance Company Called Pineapple In Legal Battle With Apple Over Name

Lawyers have allegedly filed an attempt to oppose the trademark on Melbourne-based company Pineapple on behalf of Apple. Pictured: Pineapple co-founder Kari Marsden


A small Melbourne start-up company has found itself in a bizarre David and Goliath battle with tech giant Apple over the name of their firm. 

Kari Marsden and Luke Campbell co-founded Pineapple in 2019, a firm which helps Australians save money by tracking their spending in a bid to add a 'pineapple a week' to their savings.

Now, lawyers acting for Apple have made a move to stop the couple from using their trademark. 

Kari, who started the business with Luke when they both left their jobs, told the Herald Sun: 'Apple's a trillion-dollar company picking on a small Australian start-up. 

'Apple was young once, they were an innovative company who picked a pretty unconventional name, we would have thought they'd be supportive of a start-up like ours.' 

She said a lot of time had been put into researching and choosing the name for their company.






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'Obviously it's Aussie slang for the $50 note, but it also stands for fun, CrystalHolidays sun and holidays,' Ms Marsden said.

'We love the name and people have told us they love the name too.'

Pineapple launched on Saturday.






 Kari Marsden and Luke Campbell are the co-founders of the business and both left their jobs in 2019 to make their dream a reality (stock image) 







Pineapple launched on Saturday. The company lodged the trademark in September 2019 and IP Australia accepted it in March


The company lodged the trademark in September 2019 and IP Australia accepted it in March.

However on the final day of the notice period Apple revealed they intended to dispute the trademark.  

Mr Campbell said the company now faces at least a 12-month legal battle to resolve the issue.

They have also needed to hire a lawyer to help them.

He said as a start-up they don't need a legal battle this long ahead of them.  

Trademark laywer Brian Goldberg told Ten News it wasn't clear what Apple's issue with the name was at this stage.

'They have only filed that they oppose it,' he said. 

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Pineapple and Apple for comment. 



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