Apple Computer Wins Legal Battle with Apple Corps

Monday morning, London High Court Judge Edward Mann ruled that Apple Computer is entitled to use its apple-shaped logo on its iTunes Music Store, rejecting a lawsuit filed by Apple Corps, the company representing The Beatles. Apple Corps had argued that Apple Computer violated a 1991 agreement between the two companies when Apple Computer entered the music business.

"The use of the apple logo ... does not suggest a relevant connection with the creative work," Judge Mann wrote in his ruling. "I think that the use of the apple logo is a fair and reasonable use of the mark in connection with the service, which does not go further and unfairly or unreasonably suggest an additional association with the creative works themselves."

Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs noted that he was happy to put this matter to rest, but Apple Corps has already said that it will immediately appeal the verdict. "We felt that during the course of the trial we clearly demonstrated just how extensively Apple Computer has broken the agreement," said Apple Corps Manager Neil Aspinall. Apple Corps is owned by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono (John Lennon's widow), and the estate of George Harrison.