Apple Corps

Apple Corps was established on 22 January 1968 by the Beatles—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—as a holding company to manage their business interests and to fund creative projects. The name 'Apple' was chosen by the band, and the logo was designed by Gene Mahon. The company's initial ventures included Apple Records, Apple Electronics, Apple Retailing, Apple Publishing, and Apple Films. The flagship office at 3 Savile Row, London, housed a recording studio where the Beatles recorded the 'Let It Be' album and performed their famous rooftop concert in 1969.¹

Apple Records, the company's most successful subsidiary, was launched in 1968 with the aim of giving artists creative freedom. The label released albums by the Beatles, including the White Album and Abbey Road, as well as works by solo Beatles and other artists such as Mary Hopkin, James Taylor, and Badfinger. The label's distinctive green apple logo and its innovative marketing campaigns, such as the 'Our First Four' press conference, made it a cultural touchstone. Despite its early success, the label faced financial difficulties due to mismanagement and the Beatles' breakup, but it continues to operate as part of the Beatles' catalogue.²

Apple Corps has been embroiled in a series of trademark disputes with Apple Inc. (the computer company) since 1978. The first agreement in 1981 allowed Apple Inc. to use the name for computer products, but not for music. Subsequent disputes arose when Apple Inc. introduced the iTunes Store, which Apple Corps argued violated the agreement. In 2007, the two companies reached a settlement, with Apple Inc. acquiring all rights to the Apple trademark and licensing it back to Apple Corps for its use. The dispute is a landmark case in trademark law, illustrating the complexities of brand coexistence in different industries.³

Beyond music, Apple Corps dabbled in electronics, retail, and film. Apple Electronics produced the Apple I and Apple II computers, but these were later sold to a separate company. Apple Retail opened a short-lived boutique in London that sold clothing and accessories designed by the Beatles. Apple Films produced the animated film 'Yellow Submarine' (1968) and the documentary 'Let It Be' (1970). After the Beatles' breakup, the company was managed by Neil Aspinall, who oversaw the Beatles' business affairs until 2007, when he was succeeded by Jeff Jones. The company remains privately held by the Beatles' families and estates.

Apple Corps' early ventures included a short-lived 'Apple Tailoring' division, which produced psychedelic clothing, and a 'Apple Electronics' that developed the 'Zapple' label for experimental music. The company also funded the 'Apple Jam' sessions, which led to the release of the 'No One's Gonna Change Our World' charity album. A notable edge case: the company's name was the subject of a 2006 court case where the judge ruled that Apple Inc. did not infringe the trademark because the iTunes Store did not 'sell' music but 'provided' it. The company's headquarters at 3 Savile Row is now a Grade II listed building, and the rooftop concert site is a tourist attraction.⁴

Apple Records

Record label founded by Apple Corps in 1968, releasing music by the Beatles and other artists.

Trademark

A legally protected symbol, name, or design that distinguishes goods or services.

Holding company

A company that owns the shares of other companies but does not itself produce goods or services.