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Apple resolves Beatles dispute

05/02/2007

Apple has resolved its multimillion pound trademark battle with the Beatles' record company, Apple Corps.

A statement issued on Apple's website revealed that the two parties have "entered into a new agreement" replacing their previous arrangement, made in 1991.

The 1991 agreement allowed Apple to continue using its name and fruit-based logo as long as it did not enter into Apple Corps' "field of use".

With the launch of iTunes and the hugely successful iPod MP3 player, Apple Corps accused Apple in a high court battle that it had violated the agreement by entering its "field".

That attempt failed in May last year. A judge ruled that no trademark infringement had occurred because consumers were clearly able to tell the difference between the two brands.

Now a new agreement has been established which will see Apple gain control over all Apple-related trademarks and brands. Some trademarks will be licensed back to Apple Corps "for their continued use".

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs, insisting that "we love the Beatles", said: "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."

Apple Corps manager Neil Aspinall said that it was "great" to be able to "move on" after the dispute.

"The years ahead are going to be very exciting times for us. We wish Apple… every success and look forward to many years of peaceful cooperation with them."

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