HealthKit Startup Considers Legal Action Against Apple's New Health Platform

Australian-based healthcare startup HealthKit is evaluating its legal options against Apple's recently announced platform of the same name, according to reports.

Apple's new health-focused platform was launched on Monday at the company's annual Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) to widespread acclaim, however its choice of name came as a surprise to the Australian company.

Co-founder Alison Hardacre reportedly told Business Spectator that the Australian company was now considering legal action against the tech giant.

"I can't understand why (Apple) would do this, I hope the reason is that they swapped the name last minute," Hardacre said. "Or maybe they think we are too small."

The company was founded in 2012 by Hardacre and now operates as an international platform connecting healthcare professionals and patients in countries that include the US.

Both the HealthKit domain name and the HealthKit Twitter handle are owned by the Australian firm, which Hardacre calims are "too important to let go" with the company currently seeking Series A-funding.

Apple's HealthKit platform had been rumoured to be named HealthBook and it has been suggested by some Apple commentators that it switched the name in response to early leaks. The company is yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.

"It's flattering but I am shocked that they still haven't tried to get in touch with us," Hardacre said. "Every startup worries about competition, but what do you do when it's Apple?"