Those were the famous words Ed Sullivan used to launch the Beatles (already hot in the UK) in the US. Here they are, back again: Apple vs. Apple.
“IT IS the ultimate battle of the generations over an image of a half-eaten piece of fruit.” claims the UK’s The Times. The New York Times also reports. Apple Corps, the business arm of the former Beatles and their heirs took Apple Computer to court for the third time.
- The first suit 1981 ended with a modest settlement of $80,000.
- The second one in 1991 settled for $26.5M
- The third … care to extrapolate?
It is the second, 1991 settlement that bound Apple Computer to steer clear of the music business, for which the Beatles’ company retains the famous trademark. Of course my third point above is a joke, I could not possibly predict the outcome of this lawsuit, but it’s no laughing matter, the least it will do, without considering the outcome is to divide the music fans into two camps. Hardcore Beatles fans might just take their business elsewhere. And if Apple (Steve’s Apple, not Sir Paul’s) has to pay up again … well .. this is the real thing folks, not the bogus rumors about Jobs dumping his stock.
Update (3/27): “ The best part? The case will be heard by (no joke): Mr. Justice Mann.” (via MacUser)
Related posts:
- For a 3rd Time, Two Apples Meet in Court…
- Apple Scruffs
- Apple to Meet Apple in Court
- Apple V, Apple: Defining Music In The Digital Age
- Apple Rock Stars Face Off Today in a London Courtroom
- Beatles, meet the Cluetrain
- Litigation Madness Week?
- Mr. Jobs, it’s almost time for your periodic contribution to the Beatles Preservation Fund
- A Hard Days Night (this one is a must-read, the story is told by weaving the titles of 24 Beatles songs together)
- Apple Vs Apple Legal Battle
- Who Owns The Word Apple?
- Apple Corps: Let it be…
Tags: Apple, itunes, ipod, Beatles, Lawsuit, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Steve Jobs, music
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