Apple Core have, it seems, settled with Apple Computers on their trademark dispute. From the outside it looks like Apple Computers got the upper hand: the mood music is that this unfortunate misunderstanding is all finally fully settled and everyone loves each just as they all did all along. Honest.
Apple computers seem to have acquired most of the IP rights with some kind of reversionary licence on unknown terms. The Beatles have probably been coaxed into the deal on two factors:
- their legal position was always a little shaky. They might have won had they gone the full distance in court, although the interim decision will have knocked their previously insuperable confidence; and
- iTunes. Ultimately this is the thing. At best AC could have subject Steve Jobs to the hideous expense of rebranding and damages: but with Jobs having total ownership of digital music this would have been a phyrric victory. AC can make way more money and kudos than any litigation win from an iTunes distribution deal. Jobs has a the bigger dick than the Beatles: he wins.
The Beatles will just have to wipe their tears on the extra £50 notes.
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