The Beatles told us that all we need is love, but over the past quarter century, there hasn’t been very much of it between the Fab Four’s record label, Apple Corps, and The Artist Formerly Known As Apple Computer, which is now known as Apple Inc.  

Back in 1980, the late George Harrison saw an ad for Apple computers in a magazine, and got to thinking that there might be some sort of trademark conflict with the group’s label.  After a little wrangling, the two sides reached an agreement in 1981, and Apple Computer was allowed to use the name as long as it concentrated on computers, and left the entertainment side to Apple Records.

By 1989, though, computers had become much more than just word processors, and the two Apples ended up back in court, where they managed to hash out a new agreement.  That lasted until 2003, when Apple opened the iTunes Music Store, prompting a lawsuit from Apple Records once again.  The label lost that round, as a judge ruled that the iPod player and the store were only ways of delivering music, not creating it.  Cue more tooth-gnashing.

But now, it’s been announced that everyone’s kissed and made up.  Apple Inc. gets full control of the brand name, and is licensing some trademarks back to the record company.  Both sides say they’re happy with the arrangement, and although Beatles songs are still not available on any legal download service, this agreement could mean that the iTunes Music Store might be the first one to offer them.

Until Apple Corps decides to start making computers, of course.

Read more at The Beeb.