Apple, Beatles mend ties

Cupertino-based Apple Inc. and The Beatles' company Apple Corps today announced a new agreement concerning the use of the name "Apple" and apple logos to replace their 1991 agreement, placing all previous disputes behind both companies and signaling the end of the ongoing legal dispute. Under the new agreement, Apple Inc. will own all of the trademarks related to "Apple" and will license the usage of certain trademarks back to Apple Corps for their continued use. 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. While the terms of the settlement are confidential, Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs commented on the resolution of the dispute.

"We love the Beatles, and it has been painful being at odds with them over these trademarks," Jobs 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 also commented on the settlement to represent the shareholders of Apple Corps, and wished Apple Inc. well in its future endeavors.

"It is great to put this dispute behind us and move on," Aspinall said. "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."

by MacNN Staff