Apple and the Beatles finally bury the hatchet
After years of dispute between the two companies, Apple inc and the Beatles’ Apple Corps have finally reached a settlement. According to Apple’s press release:
Under this new agreement, Apple Inc. will own all of the trademarks related to “Apple” and will license certain of those trademarks back to Apple Corps for their continued use. In addition, the ongoing trademark lawsuit between the companies will end, with each party bearing its own legal costs, and Apple Inc. will continue using its name and logos on iTunes®. The terms of settlement are confidential.
Commenting on the settlement, Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO said, “We love the Beatles, and it has been painful being at odds with them over these trademarks. It feels great to resolve this in a positive manner, and in a way that should remove the potential of further disagreements in the future.”
This would seem to add credence to the recent rumours about The Beatles catalogue appearing on iTunes, and the possibility of a Beatles special edition iPod. It’s good to see this incredibly long running dispute finally put to rest, as both companies have a lot to offer each other. Neil Aspinall, manager of Apple Corps said,
“It is great to put this dispute behind us and move on. The years ahead are going to be very exciting times for us. We wish Apple Inc. every success and look forward to many years of peaceful co-operation with them.”
The dispute between Apple and The Beatles has been on going in one form or another since 1971 when Apple Records filed suit against then Apple Computer for Trademark Infringement. The Suit was settled in 1981 for US$80,000 but one of the conditions was that Apple Computer had to refrain from entering the music business. However, when Apple launched the IIgs in 1989 which contained audio synthesis hardware, Apple Corps claimed it violated the terms of the previous agreement and re-opened the litigation. It was settled in 1991 for US$26.5 million.
The most recent case was ignited over Apple’s use of their trademark Apple Logo on the iTunes music store, with Apple Corps again claiming it was a violation of their previous agreement. The trial ended in 2006 with Apple claiming victory. this announcement today should hopefully signal the end of this long running legal dispute once and for all.
(Source: Wikipedia)
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