Computer-maker Apple has settled its long-running trademark dispute with The Beatles over the use of the "Apple" name and logo.

The Beatles lay claim to the Apple trademark through their multimedia company Apple Corps and they had planned to appeal legal action lost against the California-based computer group in 2006.

The settlement holds out the possibility that the British band might finally allow their hits to be downloaded legally over the Internet, possibly on the Apple iTunes website, the biggest music download site.

The vast catalogue of Beatles songs, including "Let it Be," "Hey Jude" and "Come Together," is barred from legal Internet download sites at the band's insistence despite protests from the EMI music label, which owns their recording rights.

An Apple spokeswoman said however that the new "cooperation" between the companies did not signify that Beatles songs would now be available for download and no mention of the issue was made in a statement.

The settlement between Apple Inc. and Apple Corps, which replaces a previous 1991 agreement, gives Apple Inc. ownership of all trademarks related to "Apple."

Apple Inc. will license certain trademarks back to the Beatles' Apple Corps for their continued use.

Apple Corps, which uses a green Granny Smith apple as its trademark, is owned by surviving Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr and the widows of band-mates John Lennon and George Harrison.

Apple Inc, or Apple Computer as it was formerly known, originally had a logo featuring a multi-coloured, striped apple with a chunk missing. Its new logo is grey.

Apple Corps had sued the computer company over the use of the apple logo on its iTunes website, but a British judge ruled in favour of the technology group in May last year.

The judge said Apple had respected the 1991 agreement between the companies, which excluded Apple Inc from the music business. Apple Corps said it planned to appeal.

The settlement announced on Monday puts an end to the trademark dispute, with each side agreeing to pay its own legal costs.

"We love the Beatles, and it has been painful being at odds with them over these trademarks," said Steve Jobs, Apple's chief executive.

Neil Aspinall, one-time Beatles road manager and now guardian of the band's business interests as manager of Apple Corps, said his company was glad to resolve the dispute.

"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 cooperation with them," he said.

Hopes for downloads

Rumours about a final settlement between Apple and The Beatles allowing legal downloads of the band's hits have circulated in recent months.

In January, Mr Jobs surprised technology watchers by playing a Beatles song on the new Apple iPhone during a presentation of the device, which serves as a mobile phone as well as a digital music player and camera.

Another rumour is that Apple and The Beatles will announce a deal to enable the download of Beatles tracks, particularly the "Love" album, on February 14, Saint Valentines Day.

Beatles' songs have long circulated on the Internet as unlicensed downloads, available from peer-to-peer sites such as Limewire, but industry analysts say a decision to release them would be a boon for the legal downloading industry.

The dispute about the Apple trademark reportedly dates back to 1980 when
George Harrison is said to have seen an advertisement for Apple computers in a magazine in 1980.


Source: AFP