A Melbourne-based computer company has said tech giant Apple is attempting to burn it out with legal fees.
Macpro Computers managing director Peter Macrae has said he has operated for 26 years, but has encountered legal problems ever since Apple began selling its Mac Pro computers a few years ago.
However, Macrae said he did not register the Macpro trademark.
“Apple came along with the Mac Pro and before it was launched they heard about us because we applied to be an [Apple] reseller. As soon as they saw “Macpro” pop up as an applicant, it alerted them to the fact that there was a Macpro here,” he told The Age. “We’ve had nothing but trouble ever since.”
While Apple attempted to register the Macpro and Mac Pro trademarks in 2005, Macrae opposed the move as he would have to had to change his company’s name. While the application was denied, Apple is appealing the decision.
Macrae said he has spent nearly $200,000 in legal fees, and has even attempted a settlement with the company. “I guess they’re hoping we run out of money… they just want to try and burn us out essentially.”
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
