Apple Corps v. Apple Computer

Apple Corps Ltd. v. Apple Computer, Inc. · 2007 · Multiple, principally England and Wales

What happened

The Beatles' company and the computer company litigated repeatedly across decades over coexistence agreements limiting Apple Computer's use of the name in music.

The money

The 2007 resolution was widely reported to involve a very substantial payment, but the terms were confidential and no figure was officially confirmed.

Reported figures in trademark cases frequently conflate what was sought, what a jury awarded, what survived appeal, and what was actually paid — which is often confidential. Confirm against the docket or a primary source before relying on this number.

What it means for your business

Coexistence agreements are contracts that bind your future. Apple Computer's early agreement to stay out of music became a serious constraint once it wanted to sell music — negotiate for the business you intend to become.

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