Monday, May 08, 2006

Beatles lose to Apple in Court

The BBC are reporting that the Apple v Apple trademark case has been decided in favour of Apple of the computer variety. They say:

"Mr Justice Edward Mann ruled that the computer company used the Apple logo in association with its store, not the music, and so was not in breach.

The ruling means iPods and iTunes will still be able to carry the Apple name and logo.

Apple Corps logo on Beatles LP
With great respect to the trial judge, we consider he has reached the wrong conclusion
Neil Aspinall
Apple Corps
The Beatles' label, which wanted London's High Court to award damages and stop its rival using the Apple logo in its music operations, will appeal.

Mr Justice Mann ruled iTunes was "a form of electronic shop" and not involved in creating music.

"I conclude that the use of the apple logo ... does not suggest a relevant connection with the creative work," he wrote in his judgment."






Update: The full text of the judgement is available at BAILII but I haven't had the chance to go through it yet.

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