Apple, Beatles settle trademark dispute

February 06, 2007 IPod and iTunes parent Apple Inc. has settled a trademark dispute with the Beatles, ending an issue that has resurfaced multiple times during the past two decades and perhaps setting the stage for digital distribution of the Fab Four's music. The settlement announced Monday has the computermaker getting all trademarks related to "Apple" while also licensing certain ones back to Apple Corps, the entity founded by Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr in 1968 to guard the commercial interests of their band. Financial terms of the new deal were not disclosed except that each party will pay its own legal costs.

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