JURIST - Paper Chase: UK court rules for Apple Computer in iTunes trademark dispute with Beatles label

[JURIST] The UK High Court ruled [decision text] Monday that Apple Computer [corporate website] did not breach a 1991 trademark agreement [text] with Apple Corps [entertainment website], the record label owned by the Beatles and their families, when the computer company began promoting music products. The Beatles sued the computer company [BBC Q/A], arguing that the online iTunes music store [product website] violated the agreement, which forbids the use of the Apple trademark for any works "whose principal content is music and, or performances." According to the 1991 agreement, Apple Computer would retain the logo for its "core business."

Justice Anthony Mann ruled, however, that because iTunes was "a form of electronic shop" and "does not suggest a relevant connection with the creative work," the computer company was not in breach of the agreement. Lawyers for the record label have said they will appeal the decision. BBC News has more.

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