Both sides issue statement in Apple/Beatles lawsuit
By Jim Dalrymple [email protected]
September 12, 2003 5:15 pm ET

An Apple Corps spokesperson confirmed on Friday that the organization started by The Beatles has file a lawsuit against Apple Computer Inc. The lawsuit cites breach of contract by Apple Computer over the use of Apple.

Specifically, (the) complaint is made over the use by Apple Computer of the word Apple and apple logos in conjunction with its new application for downloading pre-recorded music from the Internet, Apple Corps said in a statement on Friday.

Despite the lawsuit over its iTunes Music Service, Apple Computer is not backing down to the company it has signed an agreement with for use of the name. In a statement given to MacCentral on Friday, Apple Computer said the issue would go to court.

Over a decade ago, Apple signed an agreement with Apple Corps, a business controlled by the Beatles and their heirs, which specified the rights each company would have to use the Apple trademark, said Apple's statement. Unfortunately, Apple and Apple Corps now have differing interpretations of this agreement and will need to ask a court to resolve this dispute.

Apple Corps did not specify what damages or penalties it was seeking against Apple Computer.

MacCentral