Court victory for Apple
London’s High Court has ruled that Apple Computer was not liable for trademark infringement against Apple Corps, the music company owned by the Beatles.
Apple Corps, owned by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, and the estate of George Harrison, argued that the computer company had violated a 1991 trademark agreement by moving into the music business through its iTunes online store.
Apple Computer argued in court hearings in London this year that iTunes was primarily a data transmission service, which is permitted by the agreement.
The 1991 out-of-court settlement, which included a $26 million payment by Apple Computer, set out areas in which each party would have exclusive use of their respective fruit-shaped logos.
Justice Mann said: “I find no breach of the trademark agreement has been demonstrated. The action therefore fails.”
Apple Corps said it would appeal the decision, while Apple Computer was awarded court costs.