February 5, 2007 15:10

Apple computers and The Beatles finally reach agreement

Could The Fab Four be on iTunes soon?

Photo Gallery: The Beatles
Photo: Pa Photos

Apple Inc, the company behind Apple Mac computers and the iPod, have reached an agreement with The Beatles’ record company Apple Corps, after a dispute over the name and logo that lasted 25 years.

Apple Inc will now take control of the brand name, but will licence specific individual trademarks back to Apple Corps.

Terms of the agreement are currently confidential, but it is possible that the deal may mean The Beatles’ music can finally be made available on Apple's iTunes Music Store.

In a statement, Apple Corps manager Neil Aspinall said: “It is great to put this dispute behind us and move on. The years ahead are going to be very exciting times for us.”

Apple Inc Chief Executive Steve Jobs added: “We love The Beatles, and it has been painful being at odds with them over these trademarks.”