When the Utah-based couple started planning Prepear five years ago, they envisioned the app as a platform where food bloggers could upload recipes, which subscribers could access to plan meals and create shopping lists.
They now have about 21,000 monthly active users, including 3,000 customers who pay the annual $59 fee, according to Mr Monson, an accountant by training. The app, along with the Super Health Kids site, supports five staff, including the couple.
Mr Monson said he initially thought it was a misunderstanding and the two sides would be able to resolve the dispute amicably. The logo has been approved in other countries, including the UK, without dispute and American patent officials hadn't found a problem, he noted.
As a final step before approval, the patent office published their application in late 2019 drawing Apple's objection.
"It just seems so ridiculous on its face," he said. "You wonder if it's a joke."
Last week, as it became clear that it was not, the couple spoke out on social media, drawing attention to other instances of Apple's trademark objections and noting that concerns about legal costs had prompted them to let go one of their employees.