Two Name Disputes Concluded

Apple settle with Cisco and Beatles Label

Apple and Cisco have settled their name dispute over the new ‘iPhone’. In future both companies will use the name, both parties have let it be known. Both sides would recognize those ‘iPhone’ trademark rights registered up to now and put aside all actions currently in train in connection with the disagreement.

It needs to be otherwise examined as to what extent the equipment from both producers embody joint features in the areas of security and communication for both companies and consumers. Further details of the agreement remain confidential.

Apple introduced its new iPhone at the beginning of the year and had, as a result, been sued by Cisco (as we have reported). The latter company, which had acquired the trademark ‘iPhone’ when taking-over InfoGear Technology, had asserted its rights to the name.

And in the dispute with the Beatles’ Apple Corps an agreement was also recently forged. The record company has disputed for years with Apple over the Apple logo and the trademark name. It formed the opinion that by selling ‘iTunes’ music over its internet site Apple had broken an agreement of 1991, which provided for the use of the ‘Apple’ trademark by the same-named computer concern. The Beatles label certainly made it a condition that the computer manufacturer was not to engage directly in the music business. When Apple did indeed enter the music business with ‘iPod’ and ‘iTunes’, the Beatles perceived this agreement to be broken and proceeded anew against Apple. The British High Court found in favor of Apple, and as a result the music label decided to fight this judgement.

According to the agreement now brokered, Apple will in future own all the trademark rights and will place a few of them at the disposal of the London-based record company, on a licensed basis. The details of the agreement, especially any possible payments from Apple to the Beatles’ firm, were not made public in this case either. Apple chief Steve Jobs has declared that he is a great Beatles fan. This was noticeable at the presentation ceremony for the new ‘iPhone’, when the Beatles song ‘Lovely Rita’ provided the background music.

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