Can we finally buy Beatles songs on iTunes?

Writing about web page http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070205/ap_en_ot/apple_beatles

Apple, Beatles settle trademark suit

CUPERTINO, Calif. - Mac computer and iPod maker Apple said Monday it settled long-simmering trademark issues with The Beatles' Apple Corps Ltd. company about the use of the name "Apple" and apple logos.

The new settlement replaces the companies' 1991 agreement, and gives Apple Inc. ownership of all the trademarks related to "Apple." In addition, Apple Inc. will license certain of those trademarks back to Apple Corps for their continued use.

This settlement ends the ongoing trademark lawsuit between the companies, with each paying its own legal costs, and Apple Inc. will continue using its name and logos on iTunes.

Further terms weren't disclosed.

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

I remember hearing a while back that Paul McCartney was particularly bitter with regards to the Apple Lawsuit. As anyone who uses iTunes should know by now, nothing from the Beatles' song library was available to purchase on iTunes music store because of the  feud. As an aside, I always found that a bit odd, because I seem to remember Michael Jackson having purchased the rights to a large number, if not all, of the Beatles' songs; an act that led to the end of the friendly relationship between Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney.

I can't imagine he's too pleased with having to take part in paying all of those legal fees.

: 05 Feb 2007 21:05 |  Tags: Apple Beatles Itunes Lawsuit Settlement Steve Jobs |  Comments (1) |  Report a problem