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Apple vs Apple -- Judgment Day

DaphneDiane writes "According to the Times Online Apple Computer successfully defended themselves vs the suit brought by Apple Corps." If you are looking for background on the case we had talked about it earlier. I'm just relieved that the battle of two bazillion dollar companies turned out well. Phew. And, of course, Apple Corp has filed an appeal already.

310 comments

  1. If I were Apple Corp... by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1, Troll
    From the article:
    But Lord Grabiner, QC, for Apple Computer, countered that "only a moron in a hurry" could confuse his client's download system - which, he said, was basically transmitting data - with a record label.
    If I were Apple Corp, I would start selling the new "Apple Macintosh" online. After all, "only a moron in a hurry" could confuse a coat with a computer company.

    There's no way Apple computers would sue. After all - they're never lawyer trigger happy.
    --
    There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    1. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If I were Apple Corp, I would start selling the new "Apple Macintosh" [paulstuart.com] online. After all, "only a moron in a hurry" could confuse a coat with a computer company.

      Would Apple Computer care about someone selling a coat?

      I doubt it.

    2. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by oliverthered · · Score: 0, Troll

      They should setup a shop front for dell with Apple branding all over the place, call it aMacs and then see what Apple computers do.

      --
      thank God the internet isn't a human right.
    3. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Would Apple Computer care about someone selling a coat?

      Oh for Gods sake - stop being such a whiney fanboy. All large corporations are litigious and Apple is one of the worst offenders.

      They've issued legal threats to everyone from The Church of Satan (for "Made with Macintosh banner") to the (now ex) owners of the itunes.co.uk domain (registered long before Apple started selling music)

      Go and register AppleMac.co.uk (or something similar) and see how long it is before the lawyers arrive.

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    4. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by ciroknight · · Score: 2, Funny

      Whiney Mac Fanboy: Oh for Gods sake - stop being such a whiney fanboy.

      Pot, meet Kettle. Kettle, this is Pot.

      --
      "Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the President to explain to us what the exit strategy is." G.W.Bush
    5. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      Pot, meet Kettle. Kettle, this is Pot.

      Joke, meet ciroknight, circoknight, th-... oh, too late, Joke just wooshed over your head.

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    6. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by The+Snowman · · Score: 4, Funny

      Even better, call it eMacs and bundle it with GNU/Herd and Emacs.

      --
      24 beers in a case, 24 hours in a day. Coincidence? I think not!
    7. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 2

      Even better, call it eMacs and bundle it with GNU/Hurd and Emacs.

      *snort* - that would be funny! I'd distribute it with Darwin over GNU/Hurd tho' - for extra (Alanis Morissette style) irony points. (Plus, you could actually ship it)

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    8. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Ilgaz · · Score: 0, Troll

      This is somewhat horrible smoke of fanboyism and zealotry attached to every story having "Apple" name on it.

      Don't even bother to try.

      Worst can happen: Some company finds a horrible, horrible problem on OS X , as every security story attacked and companies getting names as "snake oil seller", they decide to keep it to themselves and silently report to Apple.

      Apple does not care (Read: SANS/Secunia).

      Information gets leaked to black hats.

      Next day we can't watch TV or read Newspaper since Macintoshes are running in very key parts of media without protection as "nothing can touch them"

      This is what I am afraid as a guy purchased a quad G5 from them recently. This kind of zealotry/fanboy stuff forcing me to post with "karma bonus" to keep the message around since a fanboy can get /. moderator points.

    9. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by optimus2861 · · Score: 5, Informative

      FYI, "Moron in a hurry" isn't necessarily meant to be insulting under English law. It's the language that a judge used in a case there some years back in dismissing a trademark-infringement suit, so it's an established phrase. This was explained in the comments of a previous Apple-Apple /. article here.

    10. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by g0at · · Score: 1

      If I were Apple Corp, I would start selling the new "Apple Macintosh" online.

      It would be interesting to see how Apple Computer responds to that, since they haven't sold a product with "Macintosh" in the name for many years. (PowerMac, iMac, PowerBook... the last "Macintosh" I can think of is the beige 1997-era Power Macintosh G3).

      (I realise that by "Apple Corp" you mean "Apple Corps")

      -b

    11. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1

      This is somewhat horrible smoke of fanboyism and zealotry attached to every story having "Apple" name on it.

      Don't even bother to try.


      Don't worry Ilgaz, it's something I'm attempting to rectify.

      I will single-handedly save slashdot with this nick (my plan is starting to work already!)

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    12. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Ilgaz · · Score: 1

      After seeing coder of a integral part of OS X banned me from IRC and also jumped to my slashdot post saying "I know this guy, he is troll from Usenet", I lost all my hope.

      Feel free to try though :)

      Oh btw funnily enough, only thing creating problem on _my_ system is the part he coded. Evil!

    13. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1

      Oh btw funnily enough, only thing creating problem on _my_ system is the part he coded. Evil!

      hahahahaha :-)

      I bet he did it deliberately!

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    14. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Swift2001 · · Score: 1

      Are you somehow bitter about something?

    15. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1

      Bitter?

      Whatever dude, at least I don't comment soley on Apple stories.

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    16. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Swift2001 · · Score: 1

      At least I can spell solely.

    17. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1

      Gosh, you really know someone has something to contribute to a discussion when all they can do is nitpick a spelling mistake.

      (oh, and at least I can do multiple-paragraph posts)

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    18. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Swift2001 · · Score: 1

      Odd that your motto is apparently "stop the whine," but I hear a terrific amount of high-pitched squealing coming from your direction.

    19. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1

      Odd that your motto is apparently "stop the whine," but I hear a terrific amount of high-pitched squealing coming from your direction.

      Well, my sig (we adults call those 'mottos' sigs) actually relates to the whine that comes from macbook pros.

      However - you're quite right - my motto is "Stop the Whine" and its working really, really well. The whiners are being modded up far less frequently.

      In fact I would say that my mission here on slashdot is 50% complete - not too bad hey? After only a month!

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    20. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Swift2001 · · Score: 1

      I am wounded to the quick, sir.

      Actually, I cannot give a damn what your foolish "mission" is.

    21. Re:If I were Apple Corp... by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1

      Oh right!

      Sorry, you've just replied to so many of my posts, I thought you were one of my many /. fans.

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
  2. an apple a day by thexdane · · Score: 1

    guess it is true an apple a day keeps the riaa away

    1. Re:an apple a day by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      guess it is true an apple a day keeps the riaa away

      Might be better coined as: guess it is true an apple a day keeps the paracites away

  3. let's face facts by illtron · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I hate to see The Beatles lose, but let's face facts: If you could possibly confuse the two, you're likely too dumb to appreciate The Beatles' music and too stupid to figure out how to turn on a computer.

    --
    Slashdot: 24 hours behind every other site or your money back!
    1. Re:let's face facts by swissfondue · · Score: 5, Interesting

      I wonder how much the estate of the late John Lennon or other Beatles really wanted a legal fight with Apple Computer. I think they missed out on millions of USD in downloads from iTMS due to their absence. So was it really Apple Corps led? I don't see on which basis an appeal from Apple Corps will be successful. Let's hope to see the old (and upcoming newly digitalized spiffed-up tracks) on iTMS soon.

      --
      Rubies and Pearls are not what you think.
    2. Re:let's face facts by dattaway · · Score: 1

      Michael Jackson sings when you download Beatles:

      http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a951027.html

    3. Re:let's face facts by hublan · · Score: 1

      Not only that, there's even a legal term for it:

      FTFA: Lord Grabiner, QC, for Apple Computer, countered that "only a moron in a hurry" could confuse his client's download system

      --
      My spoon is too big.
    4. Re:let's face facts by Fallus+Shempus · · Score: 1
      you're likely too dumb to appreciate The Beatles' music


      AAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

      The Beatles were dull, dull, dull, they invented nothing
      They're just the one's that got famous ripping off other peoples stuff.

      Must calm down, remember, don't hate Beatles' music just find it dull and hate this hype
      they were/are not worth it, go look up some real talent like Blind Lemon Jefferson
      or Davy Graham. Hell the Stones, The Animals, anyone, just stop worshipping this bunch'o
      try hards.

      P.S. What's my Mum being a big fan got to do with it?
    5. Re:let's face facts by illtron · · Score: 2, Funny

      Notice that I never said anyone had to be a genius to appreciate it either!

      --
      Slashdot: 24 hours behind every other site or your money back!
    6. Re:let's face facts by LKM · · Score: 5, Funny
      I thought that (...) most mac users [were too stupid to figure out how to turn on a computer].

      ...whereas most PC users are stupid enough to think that using a complicated computer somehow makes you the smart ones, huh? :-)

    7. Re:let's face facts by hugzz · · Score: 1
      I hate to see The Beatles lose, but let's face facts: If you could possibly confuse the two, you're likely too dumb to appreciate The Beatles' music and too stupid to figure out how to turn on a computer.

      The case isn't a copyright infringement case- it's not about confusing the two. It's a contract infringement case. Apple Corps claims that Apple Computers broke a contract between them which states that Apple Computer cannot be in the music business, or some such. It's irrelivent to the contract whether someone can confuse the two.

    8. Re:let's face facts by Matt+Perry · · Score: 2, Insightful
      I hate to see The Beatles lose, but let's face facts: If you could possibly confuse the two, you're likely too dumb to appreciate The Beatles' music and too stupid to figure out how to turn on a computer.
      Quick! Name the label for one of your favorite, non-Beatles albums. I'd bet you can't do it.

      Labels don't promote themselves to the buying public. They promote their products (the bands). How many people even know who Apple Corps is? I would imagine only the hardcore Beatles fans who make it their business to know every details of the band's history. I've been listening to the Beatles for over 25 years, but I had never heard of Apple Corps until the last legal altercation they had with Apple Computer.

      --
      Slashdot: Failed Car Analogies. Amateur Lawyering. Anecdote Battles.
    9. Re:let's face facts by Chris_Jefferson · · Score: 1

      No-one could confuse them?

      If I said to most people I'd bought something from "Apple music" don't you think they would assume I meant iTunes?

      --
      Combination - fun iPhone puzzling
    10. Re:let's face facts by jcr · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Labels don't promote themselves to the buying public.

      That would be news to Motown, I'm sure..

      -jcr

      --
      The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
    11. Re:let's face facts by zentinal · · Score: 1

      Brilliant. I truly wish I had mod points today.

    12. Re:let's face facts by macjim · · Score: 1

      Davy Graham, mmmmmmmmmm NICE! Also Bert Jansch and John Renbourn. Actually I really like the Beatles too, but have been irritated since they first brought out overpriced CDs and have kept the price high: why can't they sell them at a reasonable price like the Stones and Ry Cooder? Checked the shelf and found I'd more Beatles CDs than I remembered, but don't play them often. Exile on Main Street's playing now. So it goes. As for Apple Corps, they should add an e at the end.

    13. Re:let's face facts by unapersson · · Score: 1

      That's out of date, Jackson ran out of money so his record company took the rights off him.

    14. Re:let's face facts by boingo82 · · Score: 1

      Yes they do - hence the Virgin Records megastores across the country. Plenty of record companies promote themselves to the buying public. What about Rhino Records?

      --
      As a republican I feel it my responsibity to manufacture criminals. People need punished!
    15. Re:let's face facts by Matt+Perry · · Score: 1
      Yes they do - hence the Virgin Records megastores across the country.
      Those are stores. Are they a record label too? If so, I didn't know.
      What about Rhino Records?
      Never heard of them. Who are they?
      --
      Slashdot: Failed Car Analogies. Amateur Lawyering. Anecdote Battles.
    16. Re:let's face facts by MemoryAid · · Score: 1
      Quick! Name the label for one of your favorite, non-Beatles albums. I'd bet you can't do it.

      Well, I guess I wasn't quick, but Swan Song and Waxtrax come to mind. I can think of a few more, although they aren't as strongly associated with favorite albums: Geffen, Atlantic, Self Immolation. (I just threw that last one in there because it seemed out of place.)

      Having thought about it a little while typing, I now realize that I haven't payed attention to any recent record labels. That is, I can't name the label for any recent albums, so your point stands.

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
    17. Re:let's face facts by WindyWonka · · Score: 1

      Heh-heh. The N.Y. Times posted copies of the court's opinion and Apple's '91 Trademark Agreement with the Beatles.

    18. Re:let's face facts by AusIV · · Score: 1
      Virgin records is in fact a record label.

      Rhino records is a label that produces a lot of classic rock albums, as well as some others.

      Now you know.

    19. Re:let's face facts by ickoonite · · Score: 1

      I've been listening to the Beatles for over 25 years, but I had never heard of Apple Corps until the last legal altercation they had with Apple Computer.

      Then either you need to wake up, or stop just downloading all your music from the Net...25 years ago. Hmmm. OK, that doesn't quite work, but didn't you ever wonder why there was a big fat apple on the CD? (Or, if you really were listening 25 years ago, in the middle of the record).

      iqu :P

    20. Re:let's face facts by LordPixie · · Score: 1

      ...whereas most PC users are stupid enough to think that using a complicated computer somehow makes you the smart ones, huh?

      Dude, you misspelled Linux


      --LordPixie

    21. Re:let's face facts by Matt+Perry · · Score: 1
      Well, I guess I wasn't quick, but Swan Song and Waxtrax come to mind. I can think of a few more, although they aren't as strongly associated with favorite albums: Geffen, Atlantic, Self Immolation.
      I can only do that with one band, Fugazi. I know they are on Dischord records. But any of my other albums, if someone held it up and said, "What label is this on" I would have no idea. I guess knowing that kind of info was not something I was really into.
      --
      Slashdot: Failed Car Analogies. Amateur Lawyering. Anecdote Battles.
    22. Re:let's face facts by Matt+Perry · · Score: 1
      Then either you need to wake up, or stop just downloading all your music from the Net...
      Hey, there is no need to be rude and insulting. You don't even know me.
      25 years ago. Hmmm. OK, that doesn't quite work
      Why does that not work? 25 years ago I was almost 10 years old and listening to my dad's record collection. He might have played his Beatles records for me earlier than that. But it was when I was 10 that he trusted me enough to touch his record collection.
      but didn't you ever wonder why there was a big fat apple on the CD? (Or, if you really were listening 25 years ago, in the middle of the record).
      Not really. I also didn't wonder why there were a bunch of naked people laying on rocks on the cover of Led Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy or why a girl was covered in whipped cream on another album. None of those covers ever made me ask myself "who publishes this?". I still have no idea who the label is for either of those albums. Nor do I care.

      Wait a minute. You said the "middle of the record". Well, I paid less attention to that than I did the cover. However, I do remember the cover artwork to those Beatles albums. In any case, one of the few record designs that I remember paying attention to was a copy of the white album at a friend's house. It belonged to a guy I had met in middle school. He was a huge Beatles fan. I was over at his house one day and he showed me a copy of the white album that was pressed on white vinyl. I thought that was pretty neat as I had only seen black records up until then. Impressive for a 13 year old. I also vaguely recall a record of mine that had a spiral on the label. It was a nice effect when it spun around. It was either some kind of children's record, a Dr. Demento record, or something like that.

      Anyway, I'm far more interested in the music, and the people who make it, rather than who sells it or what the artwork looks like. This thread shows I'm in the minority when it comes to that. These days I hardly look at the CDs that I buy. I flip through the booklets while I rip the CD but once that's done the CD is packed away with the others in a box in the closet.

      --
      Slashdot: Failed Car Analogies. Amateur Lawyering. Anecdote Battles.
    23. Re:let's face facts by cgenman · · Score: 1

      Motown, Virgin, Sony BMG, Epic, Warner, Moonshine, Rhino, UMG, Blue Note, Epic, RCA, Atlantic, Birdman, Mojo, PolyGram, MGM, Philips, Capitol, Colombia, Geffen, Epitaph, umm... Acme?

      Not to contradict your point that Apple Corps is unknown, but labels do a heck of a lot of self-promotion.

    24. Re:let's face facts by Matt+Perry · · Score: 1
      I wasn't asking what labels do you know of. I can list labels too. What I meant was if someone picked up one of your CDs, told you the band name and the album title, and then asked you "What label is this on" could you tell them off of the top of your head? Even for your favorite albums? I know I couldn't. I just didn't know if other people memorize all of that stuff. Apparently they do which was news to me.

      Is the label really that important to people?

      --
      Slashdot: Failed Car Analogies. Amateur Lawyering. Anecdote Battles.
    25. Re:let's face facts by ickoonite · · Score: 1

      Hey, there is no need to be rude and insulting. You don't even know me.

      Whoa, whoa, you must be new to these parts. This is Slashdot. Whilst in any other scenario you would indeed be correct, rude is the modus operandi here, so stop whining.

      Anyway, to further comment...

      ...Why does that not work?

      I was referring to the act of downloading music from the Internet rather than listening to it. I had thought that the former would have been particularly challenging in, say, the year of the album's release, given that that was quite some years before even the release of the Apples I and ][ (computers now, not records) and, well, about 30 years before the dawn of Napster. And, well, if you were listening 25 years ago, it still would have been pretty difficult to download tracks from the Net, so...well, I think you get my point :P

      Anyway, fair cop on not paying much attention to label information, and especially the point you made in your original post - Geffen for the Eagles sprang to mind, but beyond that I got pretty stuck. Oh, Creation/EMI for Oasis and Food/Parlophone for Blur. I think Aerosmith are on Sony. But it doesn't go much further than that I'll admit. But the Beatles were different. Everyone* knows that the Beatles' label was Apple Records - at least, on this side of the pond, anyway.

      As to paying attention to the covers - well, different strokes for different folks, I suppose. One of the reasons I continue to buy vinyl almost exclusively is because it just "feels" better, "feels" like more of a product and, oh, has a much bigger cover. Glorious. Sgt Pepper never looked so good.

      Perhaps it's a matter of different minds at the end of the day. One might call me ridiculously inquisitive, but I'd probably have to read the label information once. Most of the time that information gets discarded (i.e. as with the artists' labels for most of my record collection), but sometimes it hangs around. I know I'm not the only one.

      iqu :)

      (* That might be an exaggeration, but it is well-known.)

    26. Re:let's face facts by WoodenRobot · · Score: 1

      Very much so in some genres, none more so than in the fields of electonic and dance music. Labels can have a very distinctive sound - sometimes you can guess the label just from hearing some music. Records on the Warp label stand out a mile, for instance, as do Ninja Tunes.

      --
      ---
      "I did nothing. I did absolutely nothing and it was everything that I thought it could be."
    27. Re:let's face facts by ceoyoyo · · Score: 1

      Michael Jackson sings when you PLAY the Beatles (on an instrument, not on the stereo). Of course, as someone else pointed out, it's actually his record company since he ran out of money.

  4. the Apple is dead by rollx · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Long Live the Apple

  5. Beatles on iTunes next? by mgabrys_sf · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I'd have to say - why bother. If I'm not mistaken the audience that would download it has P2P'ed them to death, and it'd be too little too late.

    Unless they remaster everything - which they're proportedly doing - but the restirctions they're trying to lay down make the recent "big 4" vs iTunes look like a cakewalk.

  6. Re:Turned out "well?" by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    If you hate the laws, spend your lives trying to get them changed. Do not hate the companies that use the laws in their favor [emph mine]

    You note that companies have 'almost unlimited funds' - they use these funds to:

    1) Change the law to suit themselves.
    2) Discredit / ridicule those who spend their lives trying to get laws changed.
    3) Bury in legalities / court fees those who oppose them.

    How can we not hate the companies that do this?

    --
    There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
  7. If either Apple wanted a totally by rolfwind · · Score: 4, Interesting

    off limits trademark, they should have instead used a made-up word (something like Exxon?) that doesn't mean anything in any popular language but sounds cool, and not a word in the dictionary/history or common place item.

    1. Re:If either Apple wanted a totally by warrigal · · Score: 1

      Huh! Now he tells us!

    2. Re:If either Apple wanted a totally by AndroidCat · · Score: 1

      Cromulent Corp.

      --
      One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
    3. Re:If either Apple wanted a totally by Hieronymus+Howard · · Score: 4, Informative

      The name was a joke that John Lennon made, "Let's call it Apple Corp" ('corp' being pronounced 'core').

      Much as I love the Beatles, I'm glad that Apple lost this silly case (and that Apple won)

    4. Re:If either Apple wanted a totally by ObligatoryUserName · · Score: 1

      Exxon isn't the best example. Anyone remember Senator Jim Exon from Nebraska? He's famous for authoring the Communications Decency Act of 1996 - the law that everyone had all those blue ribbons up on the web to protest.

      Anyway, he started off running an office store, Exon Office Supplies and was only able to enter politics when he got a big check from Exxon for the rights to that name. Yes, they aren't spelled the same and they were in different businesses but the Secretary of State thought the names were too similar and wouldn't register the Exxon name in Nebraska until they got permission from Jim Exon. So, even with a strange and artificial name like Exxon doesn't guarantee you'll be free and clear.

    5. Re:If either Apple wanted a totally by Kenshin · · Score: 1

      Apple Computer was founded in the '70s. Stupid gibberish names weren't en-vogue yet. (I can't wait for the eventual gibberish name backlash...)

      --

      Does it make you happy you're so strange?

  8. Saddened by Overzeetop · · Score: 4, Insightful

    This is a travesty - not for the gain or loss of two billionaire corporations, but for the simple concept of fair play that has been ignored. It's true that now nobody would confuse the two corporations, but the simple fact that Apple Computer exists is because Apple Corps agreed to let them continue using a name which could (at the time) have been confused, on the condition that Apple Computer not get into the music business. The distinction today is that Apple (computer) has greatly outstripped Apple (corps) is brand recognition. Heck, you may as well take Apple Corps trademark entirely, as the common person would likely mistake Apple (Corps) for the wildly popular international trademark Apple (computer).

    My question would be - can Apple Corps start their internet Download Music Store and not get sued by Apple Computer? Is there a potential for mistakes in Apple iDMS and Apple iTMS?

    --
    Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
    1. Re:Saddened by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1, Flamebait

      but the simple fact that Apple Computer exists is because Apple Corps agreed to let them continue using a name which could (at the time) have been confused, on the condition that Apple Computer not get into the music business.

      Let me be the first whiney mac fanboi to say "waaah, waaah, waaaah," Apple Computers was always a bigger company then Apple Corp (even in 1968 ;-)

      Seriously - you make a good point, expect to be modded down for it as soon as the legions of Apple fanbois arrive.

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    2. Re:Saddened by lxs · · Score: 1

      On the other hand, how fair is it to ban a company from an entire industry?

    3. Re:Saddened by Zontar_Thing_From_Ve · · Score: 5, Interesting

      This is a travesty - not for the gain or loss of two billionaire corporations ...

      Why does everyone keep repeating this incorrect statement? Just because the submitter thinks it's true, doesn't mean it is.

      Folks, Apple Records, Apple Corp, whatever you want to call it, is NOT a billionaire corporation. Sir Paul McCartney is a billionaire, but it's not because of Apple Corp or the Beatles. He is a billionaire because he bought out song publishing companies years ago, which is where the real money is. The Lennon estate was worth $100 million at the time of John Lennon's death, most due to investments Yoko made. The late George Harrison's estate was probably worth less than $100 million at the time of his death and Ringo Starr is definitely worth less than that. If you have any knowledge of royalty rates in the industy, you will know that the Beatles simply can't be making the kind of money some of you attribute to them. In my opinion, the Beatles and their lackeys have seriously mismanaged their catalog and the failure to put out "new" product (yes, believe it or not, there are still things in the vaults that could be released officially for the first time, such as the White Album demo sessions) more than once every 5+ years have actually kept them from earning as much money as they could have earned. They release material so infrequently that it sells simply because of scarcity, not because of merit. The last offical release, the Let It Be ... Naked album of a few years ago, wasn't all that well liked, but we fans bought it anyway. It reminds me of Eddie Murphy's old joke about giving a starving man a cracker. He's not going to refuse to eat because he wants something else, he's going to say "Man, that was the best cracker I ever ate!"

      I don't think there is any realistic chance of the Beatles (Apple Corp) competing against Apple Computers. Apple Corp likes to sit back and get paid. They don't like to actually do something to get the money and setting up their music download store would require real work.

    4. Re:Saddened by jb.hl.com · · Score: 1

      Apple aren't banned from starting a record label, or selling music. They just can't use the Apple name on either the label or (debatably) the music store, so as to avoid confusion. This is the kernel of trademark law.

      --
      By summer it was all gone...now shesmovedon. --
    5. Re:Saddened by 955301 · · Score: 1


      I disagree. This isn't about a lack of fair play. The musical geniuses at Apple Corp chose the name of their company incredibly unwisely. Can someone please tell me what about the name "Apple Corp" indicates that it is in the music industry? Nothing, absolutely nothing - more likely the fruit business. Apple Computer, on the other hand sells computers and software. The fact that their product is used to transmit music, completely irrelevant.

      Had they chosen the name The Apple Music Corp, non of this would have been an issue whatsoever. If you establish a trademark, at least have the foresight to precisely identify what the trademark is for so you don't get into unnecessary legal disputes.

      They chose a bad name, they tried to sue to keep their heads in the sand about it, and someone brought a shovel. Happens all the time, and this was the right outcome...

      --
      You are checking your backups, aren't you?
    6. Re:Saddened by cgenman · · Score: 4, Insightful

      When exactly was the last time Apple Corpse did anything? The company exists as a Beatles back catalog holder, and nothing more. It would be impossible to confuse Apple the company and Apple the rights holder because Apple the company actually does things. Apple Corps wouldn't start an internet Download Music Store because that would be actually doing something.

      Remember, we're not talking about a giant company fighting a little guy, we're talking about an active company fighting a long-dead rights holder. Should Apple Computers be prevented from revolutionizing the movie business through a new (and long overdue) distribution channel simply because Apple Corps put out some self-indulgent beatles movies in 1974? Should online music publishing be stopped because this rights clearing house who has a similar name feels uncomfortable with it? Should the Apple Stores which have tremendously pushed forward upscale retail design be shut down because Apple record had a store in 1967?

      Ok, so that last one isn't so great to humanity. But the point is Apple Corps has long since been a non-entity. They don't DO anything. There would be no confusion between the two because outside of specialized circles looking to use Beatles recordings for things, nobody actually refers to the Apple Corps for any reason. Why should past performance guarantee that nobody with a similar (and honestly kind of generic) name can push into similar space into perpetuity. At this point in their existence, Apple Corps is little more than a cybersquatter.

    7. Re:Saddened by Ohreally_factor · · Score: 1

      They just can't use the Apple name on either the label or (debatably) the music store, so as to avoid confusion. This is the kernel of trademark law.

      Apparently, the debate was settled in court. Apple Computer can use the Apple name and the Apple Computer logo on the iTunes Music Store.

      Apple Corp. is going to appeal, but I'd bet money that a settlement is reached before it gets that far.

      --
      It's not offtopic, dumbass. It's orthogonal.
    8. Re:Saddened by jb.hl.com · · Score: 1

      Duly noted :)

      --
      By summer it was all gone...now shesmovedon. --
    9. Re:Saddened by podperson · · Score: 1

      the simple fact that Apple Computer exists is because Apple Corps agreed to let them continue using a name which could (at the time) have been confused, on the condition that Apple Computer not get into the music business

      What a load of hogwash. There was never any question of Apple's continued existence, it was a simple trademark decision. It's pretty sad Apple got any money at all ever over this exercise, since I can't see how they've been damaged by it.

      1) "Apple" is an ordinary word. The Beatles can't stop folks from using it or naming companies Apple. Where I live, there's an Apple temp agency (and has been for years). I'm sure Apple Computer hires temps -- OMG lawsuit.

      2) Apple started out in good faith as a computer company. Computers have turned out to touch on many fields. Any company producing versatile products would end up facing similar disputs (e.g. an electricity company). Let's suppose you produce medical instrumentation and your name is Apple Medical... you might find Apple computers running MRI software to be infringing (you'd argue that their products might be confused with yours). You'd complain and/or sue. There'd be a settlement. There's no "bad guy" here. Stuff happens.

      If this weren't the Beatles' record label, most folks would just regard this as a nuisance "sues for quick bucks" B.S. story. Apple settled this already. The previous settlement -- IANAL -- actually entitles them to do pretty much anything they please (including distribute Apple branded digital music). But where's the damage? No-one buys records because they're from "Apple Music" or "Apple Corps". Heck, hardly anyone buys music based on label -- the artist is the brand. When was the last time you saw an ad for a recording that stressed it was from "Warner" or "Sony" or "EMI" and therefore great? (The exception to this might be classical music labels, such as Deutsche Gramophone).

      My question would be - can Apple Corps start their internet Download Music Store and not get sued by Apple Computer? Is there a potential for mistakes in Apple iDMS and Apple iTMS?

      Yes. Yes.

      How is this relevant? This would be a bad faith exercise and subject to punitive damages. Apple didn't set out to hurt Apple Corps (and it really hasn't hurt Apple Corps). It didn't create a product designed to be mistaken for an existing successful product.

    10. Re:Saddened by Scudsucker · · Score: 1

      Apparently, the debate was settled in court. Apple Computer can use the Apple name and the Apple Computer logo on the iTunes Music Store.

      But they don't use the logo on the store and the only mention of Apple you can find is a copyright notice at the bottom of the page.

    11. Re:Saddened by Ohreally_factor · · Score: 1

      My bad. I should have written "in connection with" vis-a-vis the logo.

      --
      It's not offtopic, dumbass. It's orthogonal.
    12. Re:Saddened by Lehk228 · · Score: 1

      they don't advertise the labels , at least not here in the states.

      however if you pay attention knowing labels that consistantly put out good music can help you find new music easier. If i am browsing CD's i will pay much more attention to anything with a Century Media or Spinefarm label on it.

      --
      Snowden and Manning are heroes.
    13. Re:Saddened by Overzeetop · · Score: 1

      I'm sorry, I missed how "Apple" relates to computers, except that they happened to stick "computer" after it. Why wasn't it J&W Computers? If there was an Apple Music and an Apple Computer, we would still be in the same boat. The fact is that Apple Computer is now in the business of selling music. Actually, more important is that Apple Computer agreed not to get into the music business. Then, decades later, they decided they were big enough to not care about their previous commitments.

      I don't give a rat's ass about either of them, but I think its poor form to go back on your word. It's worse when a judge agrees that its okay.

      --
      Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
    14. Re:Saddened by steve_bryan · · Score: 1

      Actually, more important is that Apple Computer agreed not to get into the music business.

      Actually, you are full of it. Legal contracts are much more precisely crafted than your wooly headed thinking seems to be able to comprehend. Because the contract did not specify anything so carelessly worded as Apple Computer agreed not to get into the music business, the plaintiff was unable to prevail. Apple Corps tried to stretch their contract past the breaking point and they failed.

    15. Re:Saddened by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In reality starving nations have governments that refuse the cracker for them.

    16. Re:Saddened by 955301 · · Score: 1

      I missed how "Apple" relates to computers

      My point exactly. It doesn't, nor does it relate to music - which was the argument the fab four were making. A trademark doesn't protect the individual words - just look at the typical entry at USPTO. They ofter have something such as "NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE "SOFTWARE" APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN" included in order to pass muster with the office. So the trademark isn't considered to protect "Apple" or "computer". It's only on "Apple Computer". That said, they can enforce against someone creating "Apple Technologies" because the name implies they are in the same industry.

      You will also see VERY elaborate attempts to name EVERYTHING the company is protecting. For example, here's one for Microsoft protecting it's name in financing! http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=o 4e32p.4.38

      --
      You are checking your backups, aren't you?
    17. Re:Saddened by Swift2001 · · Score: 1

      They can open an online store, sure. They have control of the name for their purposes, and no overarching agreement which the boys' lawyers extracted from those computer makers from California. I guess they couldn't call it iTunes, though.

  9. Well... by gowen · · Score: 5, Funny

    They were thinking of settling out of court, and it was going quite well for Apple Corp until, in the middle of negotiation, they broke down.

    --
    Athletic Scholarships to universities make as much sense as academic scholarships to sports teams.
    1. Re:Well... by benbean · · Score: 1, Redundant

      ... and now they'll never give them their money.

      --
      It's a Unix system - I know this.
    2. Re:Well... by trailerparkcassanova · · Score: 1

      You only give me your funny papers..

    3. Re:Well... by jb.hl.com · · Score: 1

      You only give me your funny papers..

      Probably typeset using Quark XPress on an iMac, ironically.

      --
      By summer it was all gone...now shesmovedon. --
    4. Re:Well... by ickoonite · · Score: 1

      Actually, Apple Corps were represented by Eversheds LLP, and it's a pretty safe bet that they use Microsoft Word for correspondence and court documents. Save for court forms, which will either be Adobe PDFs or Laserform.

      iqu :P

  10. Re:Turned out "well?" by warrigal · · Score: 5, Informative

    >If I want to slap another stick of RAM into my machine, I should be able to without being a licensed Apple technician. You can, dude. Always could. Never seen a Mac I couldn't upgrade. Why do you spread this falshood?

  11. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    1) Change the law to suit themselves.
    2) Discredit / ridicule those who spend their lives trying to get laws changed.
    3) Bury in legalities / court fees those who oppose them.
    If these are your concerns (and they may be valid) then your first task would be exposing this underhanded practice and trying to bring laws into effect that essentially make them illegal. There may already be some that restrict companies from doing this but I am not a lawyer. I know that if I were attempting to change the laws, I would be right pissed if I faced any of the above problems and would be looking for a news source to publish my accounts.
  12. Justice Mann? by eggsovereasy · · Score: 3, Funny

    You're kidding me right?

    1. Re:Justice Mann? by datafr0g · · Score: 4, Funny

      Comparing apples to apples is no challange for Justice Mann - caped crusader of the courts!

      --
      "Who says nothing is impossible? Some people do it every day!" - Alfred E. Neuman
    2. Re:Justice Mann? by superburger · · Score: 1

      In an English court (High Court, and I think Crown Court) judges recevie the title "Mr Justice Smith" or "Lord Justice Smith."

  13. Why Apple records sued... by ebcdic · · Score: 4, Insightful

    ... because otherwise no-one would remember they exist. There's still a market for Beatles songs, but who cares what the record label is?

    1. Re:Why Apple records sued... by cowscows · · Score: 4, Informative

      They sued because if they won, it'd really be easy money. I'm no expert in such things, but it sounds like they had a pretty decent case. Apple Computer had signed a contract, and although the judge agreed with them that it wasn't violated, they certainly appear to be close to violating it. If not in a technical, legal way, then maybe in a more general sense. Fortunately for the computer company, those little technical details in law are quite important.

      But when it's all said and done, I think we're better off having Apple Computers win. Over the past couple of decades, they've contributed far more to the world, and that makes them more deserving of profits than Apple Records, which is basically just coasting on some hard work from decades ago. Even though I don't like the iTMS DRM all that much, I find it hard to argue that any else has done nearly as much for online music sales, and it'd be a shame for an old contract to slow down progress on that front.

      --

      One time I threw a brick at a duck.

    2. Re:Why Apple records sued... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      There's money to be made not just from the music, but the warm fuzzies of nostalgia deep in the hearts of boomers who indeed DO remember what the record labels looked like when they brought the big ol' pieces of vinyl home and put them on the victrola to spin round and round.

      Without trying to sell the music short, that's part of what Apple Corps is selling. For a big chunk of their target market (old people who want to buy Beatles' recordings), that adds value. For all we know, seeing it may be the key to pushing a wary consumer over to the "buy" column, which would explain its placement on the "Anthology" CD sets. (Note the prominent use, on the front of the latest Beatles Box set, which just came out this year, of the early 60s "rainbow ring" Capitol Records label and logo.)

  14. What if? by odourpreventer · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I guess if Apple Computers wins (win?) nothing much happens, but what if Apple Corps wins (if that is still a possibility)? What are the implications?

    Anyone care to give a brief answer to that, or point me to the info? I guess it's been explained before, but I'm not sure where to look.

  15. Now here's hoping they can settle ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    ... their remaining differences, so I can finally download some Beatles tunes from the iTMS.

    1. Re:Now here's hoping they can settle ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In the meantime, try this.

      ;0]

    2. Re:Now here's hoping they can settle ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      If you like their music so much, what's keeping you from buying a frickin CD and just ripping it to a non-DRM'd MP3 file?

      Honestly, as big a fan as I am of Apple and iPods I have not purchased a single song off iTunes. Why would I pay for a low quality, DRM-restricted, digital music file in a closed, proprietary format when for the same money I can purchase a physical CD, complete with artwork, which I can rip any time I want, and which will still be around long after MP3s and AACs are made obsolete by something else?

    3. Re:Now here's hoping they can settle ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you like their music so much, what's keeping you from buying a frickin CD and just ripping it to a non-DRM'd MP3 file?

      Because I don't want to buy a CD. I'm trying to reduce the amount of things I own that take up physical space. I also want to buy individual tracks. I could give a damn about the DRM as long as I have a way to conveniently get music and listen to it. I prefer to pay for it so I'm not labelled a "pirate" or "stealing" music. It has value to me, and I can afford it.

  16. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You sure are a windbag, aren't you?

  17. The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by blcamp · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I'm neither a business expert nor a historian, but I have never understood how Apple Corps had any possibility of winning a trademark infringement case against Apple Computer... whether in the same business or not.

    Look at these two examples:

    Budweiser (Budvar, Czech Republic) and Budweiser (Anheuser Busch, USA). Same name, same business. And I have seen both products sold in the same location before (I prefer the Czech version myself).

    ABC (Australian Broadcasting Company) and ABC (American Broadcasting Company). ABC... ABC. Same business.

    And these are just off the top of my head. Certainly there are others.

    I don't get where the Beatles were going with their action. Clearly Apple Computer was not going to be made to stop using their own logo and name. Nor were they going to be made to stop selling music via iTunes. What gives?

    --
    The problem with socialism is that they always run out of other people's money. - Margaret Thatcher
    1. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by woozlewuzzle · · Score: 1

      I think it comes down to the location of their markets. Anheuser Busch has won its lawsuits in most countries, forcing Budvar to be called things like Czeckvar and avoid using the name Budweis in advertising.

      As to ABC - how much do their markets overlap? I know I have no chance of receiving Austrailian Broadcasting Company transmissions here in Massachusetts. (Well, maybe on satellite - I'm a cable customer).

    2. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by Fred+Or+Alive · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Usually in those cases the companies don't use the same name in the same markets - ABC (Australia) could probably be sued by ABC (US) if they started a US TV station called ABC. In some markets the US Budwieser is just called "Bud" becuse the Czech company owns the trademark, although in others they do both use Budweiser. There's also Viz, the American publisher of Japanese comic books, and Viz, the British comic book.

      As Apple Corps and Apple Computer both use the trademark in the same countries (in this case the UK), there is a more solid case, but still not much of one.

      --
      10 PRINT "LOOK AROUND YOU ";
      20 GOTO 10
    3. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Anheuser-Busch Inc v Budejovicky Budvar N.P, 1984 FSR 413

      The Americans lost!

    4. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by CortoMaltese · · Score: 1
      Budweiser (Budvar, Czech Republic) and Budweiser (Anheuser Busch, USA). Same name, same business. And I have seen both products sold in the same location before (I prefer the Czech version myself).
      In fact, Anheuser-Busch sued Budéjovický Budvar over the Budweiser trademark here in Finland. The case was not very clear, as Budvar had registered "Budweiser" earlier than A-B, but had lost the trademark because of not using it. Also, for Budvar the name refers to the brewery, while for Anheuser-Busch it's the beer.

      The Finnish supreme court, after consulting the Court of Justice of the European Communities, eventually ruled that Budvar may use "Budweiser Budvar" when referring to the name of the brewery. Budvar was forbidden from using the name "Bud". Because of the EC court involvement, I believe that this ruling *may* have significance in the whole EU area.

      Not unlike in the case of Apple vs. Apple, the average beer connoisseur would never confuse the two.

    5. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by geoffspear · · Score: 4, Funny

      Sure they could confuse the two. It's very unfair to A-B if an American in Prague orders a Budweiser and instead of getting what he expected, he's actually served a drinkable beer. Can you imagine what would happen to A-B if all of their customers accidentally tasted a good beer? They'd be out of business almost immediately.

      --
      Don't blame me; I'm never given mod points.
    6. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by NutscrapeSucks · · Score: 1

      Not really, because the Americans kept the name "Bud" which is what they really wanted.

      --
      Whenever I hear the word 'Innovation', I reach for my pistol.
    7. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by Quikah · · Score: 1

      Haha, you know there is a reason that all the "drinkable" beers have a rather small market share compared to the giants, and it is not because people haven't tasted the drinkable beers.

      Besides, there is no such thing as a drinkable beer, it all taste like swill. :)

      --
      Q.
    8. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by geoffspear · · Score: 1
      I can only conclude it's because the good beers don't have really good marketing departments that can actually make people think that if you drink a specific brand of beer, attractive women in bikinis will come to your parties.

      Well, that and the higher cost. There's a reason that the Camry has a higher market share than the BMW Z4, and I don't think that it has anything to do with not enough Camry buyers test driving a Z4 first.

      As for your last statement, I've never tasted swill, so I wouldn't know. But if you want to get drunk without tasting anything, I'd think it would make more sense to go for vodka mixed with just about anything than to drink beer selected because it has less flavor (sorry, more "smoothness") than the competition. On the other hand, after a few drinks worth of sensory dulling you can't really tell the difference anymore.

      --
      Don't blame me; I'm never given mod points.
    9. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by Quikah · · Score: 1

      Nah, most people just prefer the crap, look at popular music, movies, etc. Can't really compare with cars, the price difference is too high, besides, I doubt many would choose a Z4 over a Camry, they are in very different markets (2 seat roadster vs 4 seat family sedan).

      I never said I wanted to get drunk without tasting anything. I enjoy a nice glass of whiskey or bourbon when I go out, rarely to excess, because I am usually driving.

      --
      Q.
    10. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by Incadenza · · Score: 1

      In fact, Anheuser-Busch sued Budéjovický Budvar over the Budweiser trademark here in Finland. The case was not very clear, as Budvar had registered "Budweiser" earlier than A-B, but had lost the trademark because of not using it. Also, for Budvar the name refers to the brewery, while for Anheuser-Busch it's the beer.

      AB also sued BB in Portugal. In 2001 AB lost its case at the Portugues high court, and brought the case to the European court in Strassbourg. The European court also decided in favor of BB. Recently AB lodged an appeal against that decision. Since the EU is a very strong proponent of regional products with regional naming, they really have something to fear: The Dutch brewer Bavaria (a small name, but a big brewery - they brew the Islamic beer for troops in the Middle East) might have to change its name too, since they are not based in Bavaria at all.

    11. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by jandrese · · Score: 1

      Or people drank the two and came to the same conclusion that I did: Most microbrews are badly overhyped and many of the patrons get this sort of "audiophile" effect where whatever is the most expensive also happens to taste the best.

      The beers are certainly different, but the small brews aren't three times better than the mass market stuff, despite having three times the price. They're usually marginally better, and sometimes quite horrible. Worse are the people who use their taste in beer like some kind of social status, like they're better than the plebians because they pay two or three times as much for their beer.

      However, like most subjective ratings, it's pointless to argue because in the end it all comes down to personal preference anyway.

      --

      I read the internet for the articles.
    12. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by brundlefly · · Score: 1

      You forget that they had already reached an agreement to stay clear of each other's business arena. Then Apple Computer started selling music and Apple Corp considered that a breach of contract.

      That's different from those aforementioned cases wherein the two companies never had an agreement.

    13. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I doubt that you've ever tasted Budvar Budweiser. If you have, and consider it a microbrew, then you have helped me come to a conclusion: you're a moron.

    14. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So you'd obviously never tried to explore the world of beer as there is far more to it than Bud, Millers and Coors would have you believe. Just look at http://www.ratebeer.com/ or http://www.beeradvocate.com/ (yes, there are a few snobs but most of them are as 'normal' as a typical Slashdot reader).

    15. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by Quikah · · Score: 1

      Guinness, Bass, Newcastle, Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, John Boags, Tetley Bitters, various microbrews I can't remember, etc. yeah, I have explored the world of beers, how many brands do I need to try before I can convince people that I think beer tastes awful?

      --
      Q.
    16. Re:The lawsuit had no merit whatsoever... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I bet he thinks Stella or Guiness are microbrews too. On that note, I'll think I'll go to the pub now!

  18. Comparing apples to apples by jonny999 · · Score: 1

    Time passes and things change, today one apple is rotten and one is fresh and shiny. Alas I am joking..for things haven't changed, sure a subjective opinion has been given today, but man is still selfish and so groups of men (in companies) pursue wealth...you could say it was a nice try..cause of course this was all about money rather than the false indignation of rights being abused..but does all this really matter? dust to dust and all that.

  19. Re:Turned out "well?" by Alioth · · Score: 1

    Huh? Apple computers for years have taken the standard memory modules that a PC takes. It's trivial to upgrade the memory on a Mac and has been for years. As for closed, Apple's entire base operating system (Darwin) is released complete with source code under the BSD license.

  20. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Just another reason we need the irony mark.

  21. Again, laws holding back progress. by Jerk+City+Troll · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Imagine for a moment if Apple Computer had obeyed copyright and trademark laws to a “t” in this case. What products we never have seen the light of day? When you ponder this for a moment, it becomes clear how out-of-hand this nonsense is.

    1. Re:Again, laws holding back progress. by old+man+moss · · Score: 1
      Indeed. You might think "why not just pick another name? how hard can it be?" as I did until recently when I came across a company at a trade show with a new software product... with no name.

      The lawyers had chucked out all their suggestions. So there was a product (almost) ready; and no name. I heard a reseller say "look, I need a name if I'm gonna sell this!"

      Now I know why the next big thing is the XKI-231047

      --
      rt
    2. Re:Again, laws holding back progress. by mgblst · · Score: 1

      It depends if you believe that Apple Computers really rode on the name Apple, from Apple records. If they had changed their name years ago, would they not still be a popular company, or is it all down to the name?

    3. Re:Again, laws holding back progress. by WinterSolstice · · Score: 1

      Well, it works for IBM!

      They had the RS/6000, the OS/360 - OS/390, the AS/400 etc. You have to be intimately familiar with IBM to know what a 3270 emulator is for... try finding one of those at your local Computer store :D

      On the other had, Jaguar got away nicely with the XK series (which is the first thing I thought of when I saw your joke name :)

      I gotta say, though, it probably is best to have a name that has something to do with your product (like MS SQL Server, GameBoy, JournalSpace, etc). Most likely easier to sell when it has a name that means something.

      -WS

      --
      An operating system should be like a light switch... simple, effective, easy to use, and designed for everyone.
    4. Re:Again, laws holding back progress. by Jerk+City+Troll · · Score: 2, Interesting

      The name has a lot to do with it. “Apple” is friendly and inviting. Being a common, house-hold item, it is something people can identify with. On the otherhand, most people I speak to have no idea what a “Microsoft” is. Before you tell me that the latter is more successful than the former, I would submit that Apple have accomplished a lot more in shorter time, pushing new technology faster than anyone else in the industry. But I digress.

      What I intended to point out was iTunes and the iPod. I do not need to quote statistics; you no doubt know how wildly successful these products have been. But if Apple Computer had adhered to the earlier ruling and refrained from entering the music business, two things would happen. First, they would either struggle to stay afloat or they would start cutting corners. I think that Apple uses iPod and iTunes to fund new development efforts. Second, portable digital music players would be a few years behind and online music offerings would be either non-existent or of inferior quality.

      Again, this is largely based not only on speculation, but personal opinion as well and I apologize for that. However, if we eliminate these variables, I think we can be fairly certain that if Apple had done everthing by the books, we would have fewer products at best and inferior products at worst. Neither of these outcomes is beneficial to you and I. In some way or another, we would be worse off if the law had been obeyed.

      I support that statement with other observations of our so-called Intellectual Property system at work. There are companies out there with massive patent portfolios who have absolutely no intention whatsoever of implementing those ideas. If someone comes along and does some actual work, they sue them into the ground. (I am sure you are aware of NTP v RIM.) This ultimately has a chilling effect on the industry which stifles progress.

    5. Re:Again, laws holding back progress. by mgblst · · Score: 1

      But if Apple Computer had adhered to the earlier ruling and refrained from entering the music business, two things would happen.
       
      The earlier ruling said that they couldn't market music enhancements under the name Apple. They could still go ahead with the ipod and itunes, but under a different name. And it could also be something friendly and inviting.

      Not sure if this aricle mentions it, but the one I read said that Apple Records would be appealing the case, so they are not out of the woods yet!

    6. Re:Again, laws holding back progress. by Kelson · · Score: 1

      "why not just pick another name? how hard can it be?"

      Yeah. I found myself thinking of the naming history of Firefox.

      It started out as Phoenix. (Actually it started out as "Mozilla Browser," but AFAIK that was never intended to be anything more than a working title.) It was a nice, symbolic name. Then the Phoenix BIOS company said, "we're making a browser, and we want you to change your name since we had it first."

      So they put together a list of new possible names, kept coming back to Firebird -- which was a logical change from Phoenix -- and while they were aware of Firebird the database, they figured no one would confuse a database with a web browser.

      Once they announced the name, of course the Firebird databse people and their fans complained. At first they refused to change the name again, but then they initiated a several-month-long search into a name they could use, getting lawyers to track down any potential conflicts so they could choose another name or negotiate with the other holders. They finally settled on Firefox... years after the project was first named.

  22. Re:Turned out "well?" by v1 · · Score: 1

    If I want to slap another stick of RAM into my machine, I should be able to without being a licensed Apple technician

    There is only one mac being sold right now that does not have user-installable memory, and that's the mac mini. It's very arguable that a novice should not try to open a mini. All other macintosh computers have user-installable memory. (three, out of production, are also in this group - upper slot in iMac G4, lower slot in PowerBook G3, and both slots in iMac G3 tray-loader)

    Maybe if you were an Apple tech you'd know that any clown can install memory. ;)

    --
    I work for the Department of Redundancy Department.
  23. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This could very well be a mistake on my part in that I have never seen or heard of anyone able to do that.

    On top of that, I thought that their machines had a temperature sensor that would trigger it to internally mark itself as VOIDED if the case was open and the temperature in the room wasn't low enough. There is a sticker on them anyways that says the warranty is voided if it is removed (although my Dell has the same thing).

    I guess I never see third party chips, chipsets or the like for Macs so I figured Apple frowned on it or didn't support it.

  24. Sad but True... by Crash+Culligan · · Score: 5, Funny

    Apple won out against the RIAA, Apple won out against France, and now Apple won out against the Beatles' old label. Despite it, every investor knows the truth: Apple is dying. Watch their stock price for a decline this afternoon in light of this terrible, tragic, positive news.

    Yes, this is sarcasm. Except for the stock decline thing.

    --
    You cannot truly appreciate Dilbert until you read it in the original Klingon.
    1. Re:Sad but True... by geoffspear · · Score: 3, Funny

      Obviously Apple's stock price is artifically high, based on investors' firm belief that the judge in the case would not only throw out Apple Corps claim, but would also make the unprecedented move of awarding Apple Computer the exclusive rights to the entire Beatles catalog. You can't blame them for selling off the stock when their irrational hopes don't come true

      --
      Don't blame me; I'm never given mod points.
  25. Re:Turned out "well?" by ktappe · · Score: 2, Informative
    I enjoy The Beatles' music but I could honestly care less about their merchandising and music publisher.
    Then you must care a whole lot. Or did you mean you could honestly not care less? I wouldn't ordinarily point out such a mistake, but you kind of opened yourself up for it when your post started out critiquing the original poster's English. Don't cast stones and all that...

    -K

    --
    "We can categorically state we have not released man-eating badgers into the area." - UK military spokesman, July 2007
  26. "Turned out well" by herwin · · Score: 1

    The judge appears to have made a narrow decision, possibly because he felt that Apple Corps was using the suit as a whip to extract some money. At least the lawyers made some money.

  27. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    On top of that, I thought that their machines had a temperature sensor that would trigger it to internally mark itself as VOIDED if the case was open and the temperature in the room wasn't low enough.

    That's a joke, right? I mean, nobody honestly believes that, right? Right?

  28. All I have to say... by GundamFan · · Score: 1

    http://www.applecorps.com/ And http://ww.apple.com/

    Is there any possibility of confusing these 2 sites?

    ...Anyway Apple Computers is not selling music like a record company would... think of them as a record store with no control over the content being sold other than refusing to sell it.

    Things would be different if they where signing artists and producing content to be sold in competition (as if there where such a thing in an entertainment industry) with Apple Corp.

    --
    I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
    Mark Twain
    1. Re:All I have to say... by MrCopilot · · Score: 1
      Anyway Apple Computers is not selling music like a record company would... think of them as a record store with no control over the content being sold other than refusing to sell it.

      Things would be different if they where signing artists and producing content to be sold in competition (as if there where such a thing in an entertainment industry) with Apple Corp.

      You mean, if they were, I don't know, like hosting podcasts of unknown bands for distribution. Hmmmm.

      The agreement/settlement(s) between the companies is not a noncompete agreement, AFIAK it is limited use of trademark for a fee. You cannot use our Logo to sell recordings because we sell recordings. Data Transfer, Bullshit. Buying an albulm at the mall (do people still do that?) is a DataTransfer.

      Music is not a computer product.

      Ok I cannot begrudge Steve for Itunes. It is exactly what we needed, I think we all remember the pre Legal mp3 days (some of us with a sad feeling). Agreements were, over the years, made, signed, and enforced. This decision doesn't really hold up under scrutiny and I wouldn't be surprised if they win the appeal.

      Having said all that, If apple corps wins, All steve has to do is change the logo from an apple for itunes to an apple core. (Man that would be ballsy) I personally think the ipod is a pretty logo. Generic rectangle square and circle, white of course.
      Why either of these companies chose an Apple as a trademark is beyond me. Simple? Yes. Generic? Hell yes.

      --
      OSGGFG - Open Source Gamers Guide to Free Games
    2. Re:All I have to say... by qzulla · · Score: 1

      From the site:

      This is a placeholder page for Apple Corps Ltd.

      Placeholding since 1997!!!!!!!

      Registrant:
      Apple Corps Limited
            27 Ovington Square
            London SW3 1LJ
            UK

            Domain Name: APPLECORPS.COM

            Administrative Contact:
                  Apple Corps Limited jeremy@jeremyneech.com
                  27 Ovington Square
                  London SW3 1LJ
                  UK
                  +44 207 761 9600 fax: +44 207 584 0510

            Technical Contact:
                  Network Solutions, LLC. customerservice@networksolutions.com
                  13200 Woodland Park Drive
                  Herndon, VA 20171-3025
                  US
                  1-888-642-9675 fax: 571-434-4620

            Record expires on 19-Feb-2008.
            Record created on 18-Feb-1997.
            Database last updated on 8-May-2006 21:46:07 EDT.

    3. Re:All I have to say... by qzulla · · Score: 1

      I did get their apple. ;) Juicy! The Gimp is salivating.

      http://www.applecorps.com/apple.jpg

      And look at jeremyneech.com

      It was listed on their whois record.

      qz

    4. Re:All I have to say... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      sweet irony:
      http://www.applecorpsltd.com/default/index.asp
      The page cannot be found!
      Go to Microsoft Product Support Services and perform a title search for the words HTTP and 404.

  29. Re:Turned out "well?" by muellerr1 · · Score: 1

    Just another reason we need the irony mark.

    Yeah, right*. ;) [/sarcasm]



  30. Re:Turned out "well?" by squiggleslash · · Score: 2, Insightful
    Do not hate the companies that use the laws in their favor, hate the government that enforces the laws.
    I hate people who come up with this crap. Why the hell not? If something's immoral, it's immoral. The fact the government has allowed it to happen is only one issue.

    That said, in this case, I'm not sure Apple Corps did anything immoral. Most people have concentrated on the fact Apple Corps isn't a big computer company, as if the situation was that Apple Computers was suing Apple Corps and not vice-versa. Apple Corps clearly thought there Apple Computer's decision to enter the music selling market may cause brand confusion given they're a company called Apple who're involved in selling music (albeit at a higher level.) Whether the decision was right or wrong, I believe Apple Corps had legitimate reasons to be concerned, and they had every right to bring the courts into it.

    The sole argument against Apple Corps, so far as I can see, which wasn't raised by the defense, is that they're not really expanding in any serious way. They've limited themselves to periodic re-releases of a handful of back-numbers. As such, their "market" mostly knows who they are, being a small number of retail executives, and the handful who doesn't can be easily availed of their misapprehension with a one line disclaimer at the end of their letters. If Apple Corps was a little more active, signing on new talent, then I think there'd be a greater risk of confusion.

    Trademark law is a legitimate buffer against confusion and fraud. So I'm not going to hate either Apple Corps or the government over this. But if it wasn't, and Apple Corps was just trying to extract money from Apple Computer and we lived in a perfect world where similarly named entities operating in similar markets never cause confusion, I would consider Apple Corps just at much at fault as the government who let them sue. Just as I dislike patent trolls, overly proprietary software makers, and telemarketers.

    --
    You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
  31. Great by marcushe · · Score: 1

    Apple records is a dying company with one 30 year old product. They just wanted an extra source of free revenue to keep their CEO's pockets full.

    1. Re:Great by mkiwi · · Score: 1
      Apple records is a dying company with one 30 year old product. They just wanted an extra source of free revenue to keep their CEO's pockets full.

      Well, they got a legal bill of 5 million pounds to pay for... at least that will keep the lawyers happy.

  32. next: Amazon sued for being a publisher by swissfondue · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Apple is a label as much as Amazon is a publisher.

    --
    Rubies and Pearls are not what you think.
  33. Re:Turned out "well?" by jasen666 · · Score: 5, Informative

    This could very well be a mistake on my part in that I have never seen or heard of anyone able to do that.
    Probably. Most all Macs take standard PC memory. Since almost the beginning. Even the first PowerMacs used a slight variation of normal SIMMs. Many brands of PC memory worked in them. Add to that how easy the cases on Macs open up, I get the feeling you've probably just never seen and played with a Mac up close.

    On top of that, I thought that their machines had a temperature sensor that would trigger it to internally mark itself as VOIDED if the case was open and the temperature in the room wasn't low enough.
    Yeah, not sure where you got that from. They have no special hardware in them like that at all. And, I can't remember ever seeing a Mac with a sticker on it to keep you from opening the case. I've opened up pretty much every PowerMac ever made, was an Apple certified tech at a store for a few years. They really have no clue if you open the case and put in your own ram, harddrive, PCI/video card, NIC, modem, etc. All of these devices can be bought 3rd party, and there is no rule that I've ever heard about installing these voiding warranty. We sold 3rd party hardware all the time, and told them how to install it if they asked.

  34. Um, no by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I read you so called "joke" several times. I have some advice. In the future, if you plan to make a joke, try to make it funny. Or at least try to make sense. No, what you did was say something stupid and then try to make it seem like a joke.

    1. Re:Um, no by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Hmmmmn, why did you log out before commenting?

      Anyway, it was not so much of a joke, as a form of self-depreciating humour (link included, so you can read up & understand next time).

      My advice, quit posting in public forums until your sense of humor (and chilledness) improves.

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    2. Re:Um, no by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So which was it? A joke or self-depreciating humour? Get your story straight and quit trying to defend your pathetic little troll.

    3. Re:Um, no by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1
      Snort!

      Cute little A.C. - is that the best you could come up with?

      I said 'joke' because the following really doesn't flow very well:
      self-depreciating humour, meet ciroknight, circoknight, th-... oh, too late, self-depreciating humour just wooshed over your head.
      Now, this has gone far off-topic enough. (Feel free to mod me "virtuous" here)
      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    4. Re:Um, no by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      self-depreciating

      As long as we're all being asses, it's "self-deprecating". Cars depreciate. Selves don't.

    5. Re:Um, no by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1
      As long as we're all being asses, it's "self-deprecating". Cars depreciate. Selves don't.

      Nope, you can use either word - but you've got it the wrong way round. See deprecate's usage notes at dictionary.com:
      Usage Note: The first and fully accepted meaning of deprecate is "to express disapproval of." But the word has steadily encroached on the meaning of depreciate. It is now used, almost to the exclusion of depreciate, in the sense "to belittle or mildly disparage," as in He deprecated his own contribution. In an earlier survey, this newer sense was approved by a majority of the Usage Panel.
      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
  35. Re:Turned out "well?" by tjmcgee · · Score: 1

    You are either lying, repeating a lie that was told to you, or the people at the Apple store were having fun with you. In any case nothing about what you wrote is true.

  36. Re:Turned out "well?" by jasen666 · · Score: 4, Informative

    They flat refused to sell him a new drive without him bringing the machine in so they could install it saying that in order for his warranty to remain valid they had to send the failed drive back to Apple for testing. He asked what would happen if he bought a 3rd party drive and replaced it himself and was told that his warranty would be voided and he could be subject to up to $20,000 in fines for violating his "customer agreement".

    If this story is true, then that reseller was blatantly lying, and needs to be bitchslapped for consumer fraud. This is not the way Apple works things.
    Now, about sending the dead drive back, yes, they do have to send defective parts back *if they replace them under warranty*. However, if he just bought one straight out, even a 3rd party one (yes a standard PC version of a CD/DVD drive will work!), they can just sell it to him, at a slightly higher cost (as they don't get a discount by sending the broken one back). And, there is no such thing as a fine for adding your own hardware, or voiding a warranty. That's such bullshit. The problem is, they don't make much money on hardware sales. They make their money on labor. So they end up fucking Apple customers, and dragging Apple's name through the mud to make a profit.
    Personally, I'd tell your friend to report that store to whatever consumer protection agency handles your state. They probably didn't break any laws, but lying to consumers about made-up fines and their rights is not acceptable.

  37. I don't get it... by Digital+Vomit · · Score: 3, Funny
    I don't get it. Apple sued itself?

    ;-)

    --
    Modern copyright is theft of culture from everyone and it retards the progress of the useful arts and sciences.
    1. Re:I don't get it... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's just how lawyer-happy they are !

    2. Re:I don't get it... by jwhitnah · · Score: 1

      Who won?

      --
      Joe
  38. Re:Turned out "well?" by geoffspear · · Score: 1
    And, in any event, a statement that you can't add RAM to a machine without being a certified technician is completely false, regardless of whether you can replace your optical drive easily.

    I'd never try to replace the DVD-ROM drive in my tiBook, but the installation of new RAM couldn't possibly be easier. You just pop off the keyboard (no tools required) and insert the RAM into the easily accessible slot.

    How the trollish post above that made this statement is moderated "Insightful" instead of "Troll" is beyond me, and I look forward to seeing it in metamoderation.

    --
    Don't blame me; I'm never given mod points.
  39. Wait...... by Fengpost · · Score: 2, Informative

    Looks like Apple Corp. is appealing the decision! You think Apple Corp. would know their limitations. See here http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/05/08/apple_to_a ppeal_verdict/

    --
    The purpose of writing is to inflate weak ideas, obscure poor reasoning, and inhibit clarity....Calvin
  40. It wasn't a Trademark Suit... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    That's because it wasn't a Trademark Infringement case.

    Apple Computers entered into a legal agreement with Apple Corp some years ago following a trademark case, in which Apple Computers agreed not to enter the music business, and in return Apple Corp allowed them to use the Apple Trademark (to which they had the rights at the time, and still do in the area of Music Publishing).

    Their contention is that the iTunes Music Store is a contravention of that legally binding agreement. The judge basically agreed with Apple Corp but let Apple Computers off by drawing a distinction that Apple Computers sells Data through the iTunes Music Store, not Music. Had the judge agreed that Apple Computers was producing and/or publishing music, he would have sided with Apple Corp.

    1. Re:It wasn't a Trademark Suit... by CheshireCatCO · · Score: 1

      The 1991 agreement said that Apple Computers could sell entertainment products products provided they didn't sell them on *physical media*. They do not, so it sounds to me like that case is closed.

  41. Phew! I live in Apple Grove Estates... by lancejjj · · Score: 4, Funny

    ... and I was pretty fearful that Yoko Ono was gonna own me!

    That'd really suck!

  42. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Not only can you replace the RAM yourself easily on any Mac, but ever since the G3 towers came out, you can do it in about 60 seconds. You obviously have never looked at a Mac up close. And if you ever had any real conversation with someone in the Mac world, you would also know that only suckers get more than the factory amount of RAM when they purchase from Apple-- everyone gets their RAM from somewhere else for much cheaper. So, I would say it is even fairly standard practice to replace the RAM.

  43. Get What They Deserve by gearfab · · Score: 2, Interesting

    For a band that basically redefined the popular music of its time, years ahead of their time, their management has been atrocious. I remember waiting for Beatles CDs to be released, long after everything in the major label's catalogues had already been ported to digital (Sgt Peppers was released 20 years to the day after it originally came on on vinyl, and the line stretched around the block at Cactus Records in Houston that day). I remember the Beatles choosing to release the first four in Mono (good choice), issue no American releases (they later changed their mind, to make money no doubt), then reduce their sizable Vault down to three good (if incomplete) double-Cd volumes. If the Beatles fail to secure their legacy by making their recorded music available as widely as possible (which they seem hell-bent on doing) then it is their own damn fault. And it is a crying shame. Every last child on earth should know Revolver, if nothing else.

    1. Re:Get What They Deserve by shippo · · Score: 1

      Was 1987 really too late to issue material on CD? At least they put some effort into preparing their catalogue for CD, unlike some other labels who simply used the nearest copy of the master to the pressing plant, no matter how poor quality that copy was. There was a lot of other significant material that wasn't available on CD back then.

      There were a few mistakes, though. Only the first two albums should have been issued in mono, but somewhere along the line the first four appeared in this format. The next two albums were re-mixed into stereo, which wasn't wise. (Some Canadian copies of these two actually have the original UK stereo mixes). There were also some poor choices of mixes used on the Past Masters compilations of non-album tracks.

  44. Apple Corps appealed though by Jugalator · · Score: 3, Funny

    I'm just relieved that the battle of two bazillion dollar companies turned out well.

    Apple Corps has however appealed the decision.

    Also, there's some name hilarity in this article:

    "I find no breach of the trademark agreement has been demonstrated," Mr Justice Mann said in his judgment on Monday. "The action therefore fails."

    Justice Mann is even more cartoony than Judge Dredd. :-)

    --
    Beware: In C++, your friends can see your privates!
    1. Re:Apple Corps appealed though by mkiwi · · Score: 1

      He is redundantly male, in case there were any questions.

    2. Re:Apple Corps appealed though by GaryPatterson · · Score: 1

      Sadly, I think "Justice" is the title of a judge in the UK, Australia and several other countries. Justice Patterson would be the proper way to refer to me if I was a judge.

      The "Mr" is odd though. I wonder if the author was trying to avoid using "Mr Mann" as a name...

  45. I hope I am not late by Ilgaz · · Score: 1

    People, posting in hurry just in case as if any fanboy shouts "Who the hell is Apple music?" or "They are nothing"

    http://www.riaa.com/gp/bestsellers/topartists.asp

    See, that 168.5 million selling Beatles just in USA? They own their rights.

    So they have a job.

    1. Re:I hope I am not late by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

      Yeah I see that but they sold their rights to Michael Jackson who recently sold them to his label as he was strappped for cash.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
  46. Penny lane by stud9920 · · Score: 2, Interesting
    If I were Apple Corp, I would start selling the new "Apple Macintosh" online

    This gives a whole new dimension to the Penny Lane lyrics:
    And the banker never wears a Mac in the pouring rain...
  47. Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 5, Informative
    Apple Corp have issued a statment - they're appealing!

    There's a story at macworld uk and el reg

    Quote from Apple Corp's lawyer:
    "With great respect to the trial judge, we consider he has reached the wrong conclusion. We felt that during the course of the trial we clearly demonstrated just how extensively Apple Computer had broken the agreement. We will accordingly be filing an appeal."
    So - the fight continues!
    --
    There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    1. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by 10Ghz · · Score: 1
      Apple Corp have issued a statment - they're appealing!


      "We can still squeeze some blood from this stone! We have to! Ringo needs a new mansion!"
      --
      Lesbian Nazi Hookers Abducted by UFOs and Forced Into Weight Loss Programs - -all next week on Town Talk.
    2. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 0, Troll

      "We can still squeeze some blood from this stone! We have to! Ringo needs a new mansion!"

      Exactly what I was thinking - it's not like this is two multi-national corporations squabbling about a 15 year old deal.

      Steve needs the money to make cool new things for whiney mac fanbois to play with. Ringo & Paul will just waste it (and are rich enough already).

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    3. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by Gorbag · · Score: 1

      Nevertheless, appeals are a matter of law and not of fact. On appeal, they have to show that the trial judge misapplied the law, not that the judge "reached the wrong conclusion" based on the facts presented.

      --
      -- I speak only for myself
    4. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by jav1231 · · Score: 1

      They should lose and I hope they do. This is stupidity. The logos are not significantly alike nor is their business.

    5. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by IdleTime · · Score: 0, Troll

      Your sudden concern about Ringos fortune is just ridiculous when the computer Apple has been suing people in a pace only rivaled by F1 cars. And as far as I know, Apple (the record company) was started way before Apple (the computer company), so in all fairness, the computer Apple should have given up all commercial use of the name Apple. If not, then I guess I'm in my right to start a new company called Apple which will *drumroll* grow and sell apples! I'm sure computer Apple will not sue me for that when they themselves have stolen the name Apple.

      --
      If you mod me down, I *will* introduce you to my sister!
    6. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by the+phantom · · Score: 1

      You are, in fact, well within your right to create a company that grows and sells apples, and call it "Apple." It is a trademark issue. Trademarks, unlike copyrights, only apply to one particular area. I can trademark the term "FooBar" and sell oranges, if I want, and you could still sell books under the trademarked term "FooBar." As long as there is no chance of a consumer confusing my FooBar with your FooBar, we are both allowed to use the term.

    7. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by 10Ghz · · Score: 1
      Your sudden concern about Ringos fortune is just ridiculous when the computer Apple has been suing people in a pace only rivaled by F1 cars.


      What Apple Computer has done is irrelevant. Fact remains that Apple Corps is just a bunch of money-hungry morons. Have they actually DONE anything relevant lately? Apart from suing Apple Computer that is?

      And as far as I know, Apple (the record company) was started way before Apple (the computer company)


      So fucking what? Fact remains that these lawsuits have been moronic right from the start. "OMG, Apple Computer is selling devices that can play back music! OMG, they are selling music to consumers! Since we all know that Apple Corps have the sole right to everything related to sound and music, we must therefore sue Apple Computer for bajillion dollars!". Yes, Apple Computer agreed to stay out of "music-business". But last time I checked, selling music to consumers does not equal "music-business". Retail-business, maybe.
      --
      Lesbian Nazi Hookers Abducted by UFOs and Forced Into Weight Loss Programs - -all next week on Town Talk.
    8. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by NutscrapeSucks · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      Whoa -- Fanboy Spaz Attack!

      But last time I checked, selling music to consumers does not equal "music-business".

      Even you admit that it hinged on a point of interpretation. Put yourself in Apple Corp's shoes and it's quite easy to see how they believed they had a case and weren't simply being "money-hungry". (As if Apple Computer isn't.)

      Oh, and I guarantee that if you were to start a business with "Apple" in the name that even had the slightest theoretical overlap with Apple Computer, they would do everything in their power to stomp you.

      --
      Whenever I hear the word 'Innovation', I reach for my pistol.
    9. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by IdleTime · · Score: 1

      Take a few moments and remove the earplugs from your ipod and think a few minutes before you start pressing keys on your apple pc. Sometimes the use of the brain involved complicated trains of thoughts, something you clearly shows no ability to do.

      Your comment made me laugh, it was funny, so typical for fanbois, no matter what you are defending, it's predictable at a level of boredom never seen before.

      Rest in peace!

      --
      If you mod me down, I *will* introduce you to my sister!
    10. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by 10Ghz · · Score: 1
      Whoa -- Fanboy Spaz Attack!


      Newsflash: I don't care one bit about Apple Computers.

      Even you admit that it hinged on a point of interpretation. Put yourself in Apple Corp's shoes and it's quite easy to see how they believed they had a case and weren't simply being "money-hungry".


      No, I see them as nothing but money-hungry. Maybe, MAYBE they MIGHT have somekind of case if Apple Corps actually DID something. But they do jack shit. They just sit there and try to find yet another excuse to try rip some money from Apple Computers.

      Oh, and I guarantee that if you were to start a business with "Apple" in the name that even had the slightest theoretical overlap with Apple Computer, they would do everything in their power to stomp you.


      And that relevant... how, exactly? Is this a case of "Apple Computer acts like a bunch of assholes now and then, therefore this lawsuit against them was justified!"?
      --
      Lesbian Nazi Hookers Abducted by UFOs and Forced Into Weight Loss Programs - -all next week on Town Talk.
    11. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by 10Ghz · · Score: 1
      Take a few moments and remove the earplugs from your ipod and think a few minutes before you start pressing keys on your apple pc.


      I do own an iPod, but this computer is a self-built tower-PC running Ubuntu. In fact, I have no OS X-systems in my household. I did have a Mac Mini, and I was about to sell it. But then I decided to turn in in to a server running Fedora Core. So what was your point again? Does the fact that I have a piece of hardware that is made by Apple Computer, somehow mean that I'm a "Apple fanboi"? Well, my monitor is made by Huyndai, does that mean that I'm a "Hyundai fanboi"? My mouse and keyboard are made by Logitech, am I a "Logitech fanboi"? No and no.

      Your comment made me laugh, it was funny, so typical for fanbois


      Your comment made me laugh. "fanboi"? I don't give a flying fuck about Apple (either of them). Are you a fucking moron or something? If someone think that this lawsuit was nothing but a desperate attempt to grab some money from Apple Computer, that means that the person is a "Apple fanboi"?

      Hey, wanna buy a "jump to conclusions"-mat?
      --
      Lesbian Nazi Hookers Abducted by UFOs and Forced Into Weight Loss Programs - -all next week on Town Talk.
    12. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by NutscrapeSucks · · Score: 0, Troll

      Newsflash: I don't care one bit about Apple Computers.

      OK, then just Spaz Attack!

      As in you got very hyper about what is basically a routine corporate legal matter that just happens to involve a company beloved by many fanboys.

      And that relevant... how, exactly? Is this a case of "Apple Computer acts like a bunch of assholes now and then, therefore this lawsuit against them was justified!"?

      IMO, the lawsuit was justified on merits. But Apple does have a double-standard about trademarks -- they push the line on everyone else's (UNIX, Apple Corp, TigerDirect), but are very aggressive about defending their own. AppleCorp is not acting any differently than Apple Computer would in a similar situation.

      --
      Whenever I hear the word 'Innovation', I reach for my pistol.
    13. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by 10Ghz · · Score: 1
      As in you got very hyper about what is basically a routine corporate legal matter that just happens to involve a company beloved by many fanboys.


      Mac-fanboys are propably the worst type of fanboys in existence. And I'm not one of them. I do get very annoyed when I see a useless company sue some rich entity just to earn a quick buck. And that is IMO EXACTLY what we have here. I find it quite strange that you accuse me of "spaz attack", when you go out of your way to defend Apple Corps.

      And like I said before: What Apple Computer has done or not done is 100% irrelevant to the merits of this case. This case needs to stand on it's own legs. And unfortunately for Apple Corps, this case has no legs to stand on.
      --
      Lesbian Nazi Hookers Abducted by UFOs and Forced Into Weight Loss Programs - -all next week on Town Talk.
    14. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by Swift2001 · · Score: 1

      If it's any comfort to you, I don't think they'd have a leg to stand on if you called yourself "The Apple Company" and you sold apples. The whole point about brands is, infringement is bad when it creates confusion in the market. Have you ever gone to the computer store to buy an Apple and come back with a Beatles record by mistake? If the Beatles had paid some smart fellows to put up an "Apple Music Store," like the computer company, then the "iTunes Music Store" might have had to take off all the Apple logos. Otherwise--

    15. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1

      The whole point about brands is, infringement is bad when it creates confusion in the market.

      Well Duh!

      That's why the Apple Music company was annoyed at Apple's online music store (gosh, even I'm confused which is which now)

      Have you ever gone to the computer store to buy an Apple and come back with a Beatles record by mistake? If the Beatles had paid some smart fellows to put up an "Apple Music Store," like the computer company, then the "iTunes Music Store" might have had to take off all the Apple logos. Otherwise--

      You have a far too simplistic outlook here. Trademark law is far more complicated then that. There's trademark dilution to start with & Apple Corps' future plans (what if they want to expand into online music sales?)

      Offtopic: Please get your return button repaired. Your single paragraph comments are hard to parse.

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    16. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by Swift2001 · · Score: 1

      It's the iTunes Music store. They put an Apple logo on it. Pretty simple, no? [ two returns ] If the Beatles want to sell their music from a website, more power to them. The identifier would be "Beatles." Nobody but old geezers, and IP lawyers, knows about Apple Records, which used to be the best place to go to score some dope or sex, or embezzle wads of money from the boys. [One return] I think if they went with the market leader, they'd sell more, but they obviously have enough money to do what they want.

    17. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by Swift2001 · · Score: 1

      "You have a far too simplistic outlook here. Trademark law is far more complicated then that. There's trademark dilution to start with & Apple Corps' future plans (what if they want to expand into online music sales?)"

      I believe the judge has a fairly extensive view of British trademark law, and guess what? He doesn't agree with you either.

      And for once, I would hope that the term "fanboi" (particularly obnoxiously spelled with an "i") be banished from civilized discourse. I like Apple computers. I also see their weaknesses. I do not believe in them like a religion. The term shows a readiness to insult, and more, a willingness to argue based on this untrue categorization. I have seen this attitude from Windows partisans and Linux advocates. It's just lazy thinking. Anti-fanbois are particularly lazy, since all they have to do is participate in our culture of contempt; whereas Apple enthusiasts have seen their chosen computer ignored and pronounced dead so often that at least it has taken a thick skin and some defensive mechanisms (or a low budget for computers during the lean years) to have remained a believer -- at least until the reappearance of Jobs.

      The implication in this context seems to be, "Only fanbois could possibly welcome this decision." And, "Apple deserves to lose this suit because it has sued many people in the past," which is particularly faulty reasoning. Apple's suit against the rumor sites? I disagree with their strategy, and I hope they lose that, too. Justice as revenge is an old model that has been discarded. You have to judge each case on its merits.

    18. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1

      Nobody but old geezers, and IP lawyers, knows about Apple Records,

      Are you saying that trademark protection should only apply to young, widely known companies? I don't agree.

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    19. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1

      I have seen this attitude from Windows partisans and Linux advocates. It's just lazy thinking. Anti-fanbois are particularly lazy, since all they have to do is participate in our culture of contempt; whereas Apple enthusiasts

      The correct terms are Linux Loon, Windows Shill & Apple fanboi.

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    20. Re:Story Update: Apple Corp issues statemnt! by Swift2001 · · Score: 1

      No, that's just your silly game.

  48. Apple Corpse by swissfondue · · Score: 1

    rectification: "Apple Corps" is not selling music like a record company would...
    Their website is a placeholder! How can a company promote music without communicating the new bands to anyone?

    I propose the company is renamed "Apple Corpse"

    --
    Rubies and Pearls are not what you think.
  49. I have a solution by tecker · · Score: 1

    Have the companies merge. Apple Computer could take over Apple Corp. under a new ParentCorperation or you could have Apple Computer become part of Apple Corp. Doesn't Apple Corp. make a lot of different things? Computers could become yet another one of them.

    It would be a solution to a never ending problem. Just make sure to leave control in the hands of Apple Computer and use the parent corp as a tax shelter or whatnot.

    --
    Procrastinating life a way at a rapid rate of speed.
    1. Re:I have a solution by Fortunato_NC · · Score: 1

      That would be the first time anyone ever suggested using a British Corporation as a tax shelter, I assure you. This is, after all, the country where everyone believes WWII was fought for socialized medicine.

      --
      Blogging Weight Loss, Distance Education, and more at verlin.com
  50. So Steve Job's Apple is not in the music business? by adsl · · Score: 0

    Apple Corp had a legal agreement with Apple PC that the latter would NOT engage in the music business. Apple PC then starts and 100% owns iTunes and sells music. The judge found there was no confusion in the "Apple" logo being used on itunes. He found that itunes doesn't sell music. W/o reading all the court documents if the above is a fair summary it would appear that the Judge decided to ignore the legally binding documents the 2 APPLES had previously SIGNED. I admire both Apples, but surely the root is the legal documents pure and simple, whilst the judge decided to go into the grey area of "intent" and "use of logos". Sounds like this could end up in court again, as the newcomer (Apple PC) could theoretically take over full use of the "Apple" logo which does not seem right.

  51. Re:Turned out "well?" by LKM · · Score: 2, Interesting

    This is not really on topic, but anway...

    I enjoy the fact that OSX has (...) BASH (...) although I hate their pricing and closed machine mentality--though that may change with x86 architecture.

    If you mean that their pricing could change with the switch to Intel-Chips: Yeah, it has changed. Since the Intel chips cost about twice as much as the G4s, the Mac mini and MacBook Pro prices have effectively gone up. Still competitive with comparable PC makers, though.

    If you mean that the "closed machine mentality" could change: Uhm, what closed-machine mentality? Have you used a pro-level Mac made during the last decade?

  52. Re:Turned out "well?" by Ohreally_factor · · Score: 1

    You'd think that a geek on slashdot would know better, but there has always been a great deal of misinformed/uninformed people out there.

    Case in point, seven years ago (or so), my neighbor wanted me to help him buy a Mac for his junior high school age daughter. He didn't want to buy online or thru mail order, he wanted to go to a brick and mortar store, pay for it, and bring it home.

    We purchased an iMac at CompUSA. We also purchased an extra stick of RAM, despite the protests of both the sales clerk and the service technician that if i were to install it, it would void the warranty. I finally opened the box, and pulled out the printed instructions that Apple provided for upgrading the RAM, and they still were obnoxious, telling my neighbor, "Don't try to bring it back here, because we won't fix it."

    I've never been back to that particular CompUSA. I don't know if they were lying or if they were obnoxiously insistent on being ignorant, but I guess it doesn't matter. Anyway, that's how the misinformation continues to be past on.

    --
    It's not offtopic, dumbass. It's orthogonal.
  53. Christ's judgment whenever he wants, Beatles wrong by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Judgment day, huh? Well, Jesus Christ will return to judge all men whenever He decides. But in the meantime, my thought on this matter is: does anyone really think someone could confuse Apple Computer's work with Apple Corp's work? Steve Jobs is not signing bands and recording their music for release, and neither does iTunes yet even sell the Beatle's catalog. If you sign onto iTunes and can't find the Beatles, there is yet another clue you aren't dealing with Apple Corps of the Beatles.

  54. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Most countries in the world have laws against breaching restricted agreements.

    Most countries in the world have laws against barratry, which is essentially the crime Apple Records committed by bullying (the then tiny) Apple Computers into signing the agreement in the first place. Okay, there might be an argument for iTMS conflicting with Apple Records, but no lawyer on earth would reasonably believe there was a case against Apple Computers when they first started making computers. They were simply two completely different markets back then, with no possibility whatsoever of confusion. So Apple Records were making baseless legal threats against a small startup when they knew they didn't have a leg to stand on.

    If I had a say in the matter, that would be cause for revoking Apple Records' trademark altogether. If you can't be trusted to wield the power responsibly and lawfully, you shouldn't have it in the first place.

  55. what goes around should come around by idlake · · Score: 1

    Apple Computer has been so extremely picky with their own trademarks that judges should apply the same tight standards when the company is being sued by others.

  56. Re:Turned out "well?" by Ohreally_factor · · Score: 1

    This is not correct. One can install/upgrade RAM in the mini, and it does not void the warranty, provided you do not damage the computer in the process. The trick is to use a putty knife to carefully open the case.

    --
    It's not offtopic, dumbass. It's orthogonal.
  57. Re:Turned out "well?" by 10Ghz · · Score: 1
    This was a valid case


    Bullshit. Apple Corps see Apple Computers as a tool for making money. Yes, Apple Computer has agreed not to enter the music business. But is selling mp3-players and music "being in the music-business"? No. Selling mp3-players means that they are in the consumer-electronics business. Selling songs means that they are in the retail-business (although their "store" is in the internet). If they actually PUBLISHED music, then they would be in the "music business".

    Average person does not even know what "Apple Corps" is. They are furiously protecting something that they don't even have. When was the last time Apple Corps has actually DONE something, apart from basking in former glory and suing Apple Computer?
    --
    Lesbian Nazi Hookers Abducted by UFOs and Forced Into Weight Loss Programs - -all next week on Town Talk.
  58. Too Right by HaydnH · · Score: 0

    "Geoffrey Vos, QC, representing Apple Corps, had argued that call the download system just an electronic device was a "perversion" of the constraints laid down in the agreement between the two companies. He said that Mr Jobs, Apple's founder, had said that the downloading of music from the internet was exactly the same as buying an LP in the modern world."

    So if I set up a service delivering illegal content, let's say naked pictures of your underage daugther, can I argue that it's just an "electronic device" and get away with it? I think not!

    --
    Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so. - Douglas Adams
    1. Re:Too Right by Harv · · Score: 1

      "So if I set up a service delivering illegal content, let's say naked pictures of your underage daugther, can I argue that it's just an "electronic device" and get away with it? I think not!"

      Would you mind explaining how this has anything at all to do with the arguments in this case?

    2. Re:Too Right by HaydnH · · Score: 1

      Apple (Computers) are saying that iTunes is not music, it's an "electronic device" and therefore they are not going against the past agreement.

      --
      Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so. - Douglas Adams
    3. Re:Too Right by Harv · · Score: 1

      "Apple (Computers) are saying that iTunes is not music, it's an "electronic device" and therefore they are not going against the past agreement."

      Not exactly. You equated music from iTMS with distributing illegal porn. The agreement had to do with the use of the Apple icon and whether using it on iTMS constituted infringement and a violation of a prior agreement. Since all music on iTMS is sold under agreement with the artists, it's not illegal. Whether it's good or not is a matter of taste.

    4. Re:Too Right by J2000_ca · · Score: 1

      Yes you can get away with it. See Common Carrier

    5. Re:Too Right by HaydnH · · Score: 1

      My point is that Apple (Computer) is arguing that iTunes is not in the music industry which would be infringing on the previous agreement and would therefore be illegal (patent infringment is illegal!). Instead they're calling iTunes a "data transmission service" - i.e: "we're not dealing in music we're dealing in data". By this argument you should be able to transmit anything (illegal, copyrighted, whatever) and because you're only "transmitting data" get away with it? I agree that they wouldn't be breaking the same law, but there is still a law stopping each of the acts which could be legal using the same argument.

      I want to know why they think transmitting data is not the same as selling cd's, cd's are afterall just data in a different format - Jobs himself has said it's the same in the past and yet this is not conidered to be in the music industry.

      --
      Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so. - Douglas Adams
  59. Parent wrongly modded by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Sorry about that getting a flamebait mod, I thought it was funny. I have a feeling this post will be modded off-topic (and rightly so) so I am going to post it AC.

    1. Re:Parent wrongly modded by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Almost certainly going to get an offmod - I'm posting AC too - I think I've burnt enough Karma on this story....

  60. Summary of case by autophile · · Score: 4, Funny

    Beatles: Hey Jude, I thought we agreed there's only room for one apple in this business!
    Apple: STFU, we're not IN your business.
    Beatles: I know it's been a hard day's night for you, but yeah, you are.
    Apple: STFU.
    Beatles: Right, we'll see you in the Court on Penny Lane.

    (later)

    Court: Beatles, STFU.
    Apple: We have triumphed yet again!
    Beatles: Waaaaaah! Twist and Shout! You never give me your money! We'll appeal and then you're going to lose that girl!
    All: STFU!

    --
    Towards the Singularity.
    1. Re:Summary of case by dascandy · · Score: 0, Redundant

      That's not quite accurate... It wasn't the beatles that sued:

      Apple: Hey Jude, I thought we agreed there's only room for one apple in this business!
      Apple: STFU, we're not IN your business.
      Apple: I know it's been a hard day's night for you, but yeah, you are.
      Apple: STFU.
      Apple: Right, we'll see you in the Court on Penny Lane.

      (later)

      Court: Apple, STFU.
      Apple: We have triumphed yet again!
      Apple: Waaaaaah! Twist and Shout! You never give me your money! We'll appeal and then you're going to lose that girl!
      All: STFU!

  61. Re:Turned out "well?" by noxon · · Score: 1

    I'd suggest that that was more a case of a stuck up store manager, than what apple themselves actually think or do. Every desktop mac i've owned have had easy access to its internals (LC iii pizzabox!). Some machines, granted, have not - such as the iMac and certain other models. But even on the laptop models do they have an easy way to change ram and put in an airport card or whatever - on my pismo G3, there were two latches on the keyboard to push, and instant access to the ram slots and so on. The current Mac I have is the G4 mirror drive door (aka the windtunnel). There was no sticker anywhere that said "warranty void". In fact, there is a huge handle on the side that you pull, and down comes the entire motherboard (as it's stuck on the side-wall), with instant access to the ram, to pci slots and so on. In my manual, there is detailed descriptions of how to change the parts of the computer such as ram, harddrives, cd-roms and so on. The harddrives even comes in neat bays that you flip a handle, and it slides out. The windtunnel is well known throughout the mac community, due to the fact that its fans are -extremely- loud, both in the power supply and the cabinet itself. Apple even offered a fan replacement to the customers who complained. I was the reciever of one of those packages. If Apple had been concerned about "letting only technicians do the work to keep warranty", they would not have sent me what I got. I got a new power supply, as well as new fans. I also got detailed instructions of how to dismantle the exisiting powersupply (which required quite a lot of work because the cables are rooted behind "everything else". The whole procedure took me an hour or so. Half a year later, something in my computer failed, and I sent it in for service. I got a full repair and even extended warranty for free, even though I'd essentially dismantled the whole computer myself (and they of course knew about this).

  62. Re:Turned out "well?" by SatanicPuppy · · Score: 1

    Mac tower cases open up easily. But all of the "all in one" types with the built in monitor are a fricking nightmare. Looking at the new iMacs I don't have the faintest idea how you'd do "easy" maintenance on them. I remember working on the old SE's...It was like that game "Operation" because if your screwdriver slipped it could go right through the damn picture tube. The newer eMacs aren't that bad, but they're still above and beyond most home users.

    --
    ad logicam Claiming a proposition is false because it was presented as the conclusion of a fallacious argument.
  63. France by kbs · · Score: 1

    Dude, you'd have to really suck to lose to France. ...and, btw, poo, to all of you who don't have a sense of humor :P

    --
    yours,
    kbs
  64. The Judgement in Full -page 1 by Ohreally_factor · · Score: 1

    For those of you who want to read the court document first hand (I know there are at least a few groklaw people out there).
    From Times Online.

    Apple Corps v Apple Computer: judgment in full

    Neutral Citation Number: [2006] EWHC 996 (Ch)
    Case No: HC03C02428

    IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE
    CHANCERY DIVISION


    Royal Courts of Justice
    Strand, London, WC2A 2LL

    08/05/2006

    Before:
    MR JUSTICE MANN

    Between:

    APPLE CORPS LIMITED, Claimant

    and

    APPLE COMPUTER, INC, Defendant

    MR. G. VOS Q.C., MR. D. ALEXANDER Q.C. and MR. R. MEADE (instructed by Eversheds LLP) for the Claimant.

    LORD GRABINER Q.C. and MR. D. TOLEDANO (instructed by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer) for the Defendant.

    Hearing dates: 29th, 30th, 31st March 2006, 3rd and 5th April 2006


    HTML VERSION OF JUDGMENT

    Crown Copyright ©

    Mr Justice Mann

    Introduction


    This is a claim for breach of an agreement made between the claimant and the defendant in 1991 in which they sought to arrive at an agreement as to how they would each use their respective similar marks. The claimant, whom I will call "Corps", claims that the defendant, whom I will call "Computer", has acted in breach of that agreement in circumstances arising out of the creation and operation of Computer's iTunes music download service. At this stage of the trial I am asked to determine liability only. If I determine that question in favour of Corps any damages or other financial compensation will be determined at a separate inquiry; whether any, and if so what, injunction is necessary or appropriate will also be dealt with once liability is determined.

    The Parties

    As is widely known, Corps is the record company synonymous with the Beatles. It was incorporated as The Beatles Limited on 20th June 1963. On 4th December 1967 it changed its name to Apple Music Limited and on 9th February 1968 it changed its name again to its present name. From that time at the latest the apple mark, both in the sense of the word and as a graphic symbol, became an important part of its business. Its symbol was a sideways view of a whole apple. On 19th March 1968 the first apple trade mark was registered. Corps owned, and still owns, the rights to a large number of Beatles recordings, and extensive other rights both in relation to the Beatles and in relation to other artists. For many years its principal activity has been the continued exploitation of those rights in a variety of ways which it is not necessary for me to go into. In the course of exploiting those rights, its apple marks have been an important benefit for it. In this case Mr Geoffrey Vos QC led for Corps.

    Computer was founded in 1976. It is the well known computer and software house. It started producing computers (the Apple I and II) at the end of the 1970s and has continued to develop computers and software ever since. While it has had nothing like the market share of Windows-based computers, its market share in the personal computer market is nonetheless significant and it has large numbers of devotees. It too has adopted apple marks, including the word "Apple" and a stylised apple with the bite taken out of it. Its own marks have been important to it in the development of its business. In this case Lord Grabiner QC led for Computer.

    The Genesis of the Agreement sued on

    From time to time, the marks of Corps and Computer created conflicts. In November 1981 they entered into an agreement concerning the use and registration of the word "Apple" and various apple logos. I do not need to set out the detailed terms of that agreement. In general terms, Computer was allowed to use its marks in relation to computer goods and services, but not use them in relation to computer equipment specifically adapted for use in the recording or reproduction of music, or in relation to operational services relati

    --
    It's not offtopic, dumbass. It's orthogonal.
  65. Is it about the money? by fuzznutz · · Score: 1
    Steve needs the money to make cool new things for whiney mac fanbois to play with. Ringo & Paul will just waste it (and are rich enough already).
    I thought the whole point of this absurdity was dilution of trademark and confusion in the marketplace not to extort money. Maybe if Apple Corps had actually participated materially in the market in the last thirty years there would be confusion, but now it's a niche player and Apple Inc. owns "apple" mindshare.

    And for all those Apple Corps apologists that suggest Apple Corps market a macintosh coat, how about Apple Inc creating a new "innovative" mouse design and calling it the new "Apple Beetle?"
    1. Re:Is it about the money? by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Maybe if Apple Corps had actually participated materially in the market in the last thirty years there would be confusion, but now it's a niche player and Apple Inc. owns "apple" mindshare.

      Apple corps had some relevance in the market 15 years ago when they made a deal with Apple Computers.

      And for all those Apple Corps apologists that suggest Apple Corps market a macintosh coat

      All those Apple Corps apologists?

      There was only one person making a macintosh coat jibe (me!) and I'm not an Apple Corps apologist. I'm just disgusted at the hypocrisy displayed by Apple Computers.

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
    2. Re:Is it about the money? by fuzznutz · · Score: 1
      Apple corps had some relevance in the market 15 years ago when they made a deal with Apple Computers.
      Actually, they had relevance in 1978 when the first lawsuit was filed and Apple was still a minor startup company. They maintained sufficient relevance in 1981 to coerce Apple Inc. into signing the original agreement.

      The only relevances they maintain now are historical and the force of law that remains with any agreements signed by Apple Inc. As I said before they do not participate materially in the marketplace and they have a trademark based on a generic word.

      Unlike you, I am no Apple fan, and I do acknowledge their hypocracy. I do, however, believe that the correct party did prevail though.
    3. Re:Is it about the money? by NutscrapeSucks · · Score: 1

      Maybe if Apple Corps had actually participated materially in the market in the last thirty years

      A couple years ago, Apple Corp released a "new" Beatles song that hit #1 in the charts. They might not be a particularlly active company, but they aren't defunct by any means.

      --
      Whenever I hear the word 'Innovation', I reach for my pistol.
    4. Re:Is it about the money? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh Cool, what was it called?

    5. Re:Is it about the money? by fuzznutz · · Score: 1
      A couple years ago, Apple Corp released a "new" Beatles song that hit #1 in the charts. They might not be a particularlly active company, but they aren't defunct by any means.
      I din't mean to insinuate that they are defunct. That being said, their sole business is to represent the interests of a recording group that is 50% deceased and hasn't recorded any new material in some thirty odd years. Since copyrights are not perpetual (yet) and they do not solicit new talent and appear to have no interest in soliciting new talent, they are a dead-end company. They will eventially only exist to defend a trademark with little to no economic value.

      That is what I mean by not materially participating. Releasing a previously unreleased sing every five years even if that song goes to number one, does not change matters. They have a hard limit on total useable material (whatever that may be) and that material has an "eventual" hard time limit for viable commercial value. That time limit may even be shortened by the eventual passing of the 60's generation. Ask a teenager about the Beatles and they shrug their shoulders. Ask a teenager about iTunes and Ipods and they know it instantly.
    6. Re:Is it about the money? by NutscrapeSucks · · Score: 1

      Well it doesn't really matter, because the trademarks are governed by a contract between the companies. Apple Corp could do nothing and still hold Apple Computer to whatever they agreed to.

      --
      Whenever I hear the word 'Innovation', I reach for my pistol.
    7. Re:Is it about the money? by fuzznutz · · Score: 1
      Well it doesn't really matter, because the trademarks are governed by a contract between the companies. Apple Corp could do nothing and still hold Apple Computer to whatever they agreed to.
      Agreed.

      But does this give Apple Corps the right to broadly interpret the agreement to hobble Apple Inc. from participating in a market that nobody dreamed could even exist when the agreement was signed?
    8. Re:Is it about the money? by NutscrapeSucks · · Score: 1

      In my brief scan of the ruling here, that's not what happened. The judge ruled that iTMS was a "data service" which was covered by the original contract.

      IMO, this is standard sort of contract dispute, nothing grandiose about "rights" to it.

      --
      Whenever I hear the word 'Innovation', I reach for my pistol.
  66. Could be easy to do though by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Because the judge seems to have bought "Hey it isn't Apple, it's iTunes". It is an apple product and the Apple logo is used. FTFJudge:

    Mr Justice Mann ruled iTunes was "a form of electronic shop" and not involved in creating music.

    But the distributors (Sony, BMG/EMI et al) are a form of shop and not involved in creating music. They just get the pressed disc out.

    1. Re:Could be easy to do though by zakureth · · Score: 2, Interesting

      This is a good point. Apple Corp was initially started as a distribution channel that small or unknown artists could use to produce and release their higher risk products. The Beatles, owning said company, used it for their own projects as well.

      Of course, the Beatles products are the only ones that had any persistant appeal. But Apple Corp is still marketing and distributing those products.

      In that context, Apple Corp is a packager and distributor with a diminished, but still very profitable and valuable, catalog. If iTunes is also considered to be a distribution channel, and had the Apple logo on it, one could understand why Apple Corp felt to need to protect it's brand and trademark.

      --
      Windows: The operating system built for the internet. Unix: The operating system the Internet was built for.
  67. The Judgement in Full - continued -page 2 by Ohreally_factor · · Score: 0

    [continued from 1st page]

    iv) On occasions Computer makes available collections of recordings of an artist as a notional (or virtual) "boxed set". There have been three of these so far. These sometimes extend to copies of all the published musical works of an artist or band. They can be purchased with one "click" of the mouse. Sometimes a "boxed set" will include tracks that have not hitherto been released. As always, the IP rights remain with the artist or record company - ITMS has the right to sell the digital tracks.

    v) The Store offers its own collections of tracks in the form of "iTunes Essentials". The online Help facility describes Essentials as being "favorites chosen by our iTunes Music Store staff experts."

    vi) It is possible for artists to sign themselves up to ITMS by means of an online application procedure. By this means their product is put on the Store with all the other products. The application procedure on site suggests that there are few qualifications attached to the material which will be sold. The evidence of Computer's witness on the point suggested that in fact there was little real selection. I find that a little hard to believe, and I think there must be some. But be that as it may, ITMS is still signing up content and artists so that their content is then sold online, and Corps relies on this as further conduct tending to equate the overall conduct of Computer to that of a record company and thereby associating its mark with music content in breach of the TMA.

    Advertising and publicity matters

    Certain publicity-related matters are relied on as breaches. They are as follows.

    Video advertising

    I was shown 4 adverts which were broadcast on television in at least one country. They are said to contravene the TMA. Each is roughly 30 seconds long; they can be described as follows.

    "My Generation"

    This is obviously the earliest of the adverts since it contains a reference to applemusic.com, an address which was abandoned after a few months (at least so far as publicity was concerned). It shows a middle-aged man holding and listening to an iPod over his earphones, clicking his fingers and apparently singing along with it - he is singing "My Generation", recorded by The Who in 1965. After 21 seconds his image is replaced by a screen which says:

    "Your favorite songs 99 each"

    for about 2 seconds. The man then reappears and stays until the end when the final screen displays Computer's apple logo over the word "AppleMusic.com" for about 3 seconds.

    U2

    This commercial features the band U2. It starts with a brief silhouette of a dancer holding a white iPod with white earphone cables. It then cuts to and between various band members all depicted in greyscale against a coloured background. One is playing an electric guitar with a white cable - plainly an allusion to the white iPod earphone cables. There are then brief cuts back to silhouetted dancers (with iPods) until after 22 seconds:

    "U2's new album

    Now available

    Online exclusively at iTunes"

    appears against a solid colour background for about 2 seconds. The advert reverts to shots of the band for 3 or so seconds, and then puts up a screen saying:

    "iPod and iTunes"

    followed by brief shots of band members and ending with 2 seconds of a screen showing Computer's apple logo centre-screen.

    Coldplay

    This advert features the band Coldplay and was shown on only one occasion - after the season end of a series of Saturday Night Live on US TV on 21st May 2005. This starts with 20 seconds of music and fast cutting between band members. Then the following appears centre-screen:

    "Coldplay's new album
    Plus exclusive tracks on iTunes"

    for about 2 seconds. The band reappears and the advert ends with Computer's apple logo with "iTunes.com" on screen for the last 2 seconds.

    Eminem

    This is another video in which an artist called Eminem is shown performing heavil

    --
    It's not offtopic, dumbass. It's orthogonal.
  68. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Well, RAM is easy enough to install on the iMacs through a door along the bottom of the computer: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302 506

    You're right that any other internal maintenance is a pain in the ass. Still, I think it's a fair trade off for the absolutely amazing design that you get. Show me a way to make a computer with a similar form factor to the iMac easy to open up and repair and I'll be very impressed.

  69. Huh... by MachineShedFred · · Score: 2, Informative

    I enjoy the fact that OSX has Bourne-Again SHell (BASH) capabilities (correct me if I'm wrong) although I hate their pricing and closed machine mentality--though that may change with x86 architecture. If I want to slap another stick of RAM into my machine, I should be able to without being a licensed Apple technician.

    Well that's news to me, as I have a G4 tower and a G4 PowerBook at home which I have upgraded the memory in, as well as a Mac Mini, a G5, and this MacBook Pro on my desk here at work that I have upgraded the memory in.

    Guess I better go take the licensing exams before someone figures out that I've broken some kind of FUD.

    --
    Slashdot still doesnâ(TM)t support Unicode after it was added to the HTML standard in 1997.
  70. The Judgement in Full - continued -page 3 by Ohreally_factor · · Score: 0

    With the agreement thus construed, Corps says that each of the matters relied on is a breach. The use of the Apple logo, as described above, is in connection with musical content whether or not it is also used in connection with a delivery service. Dual use is infringing use. One of the things that makes it a use in connection with the content is the fact that the content is sold (and, in the case of three of the video advertisements, actually advertised as well). The pronouncements of Computer, either through Mr Jobs or formal SEC documents, make this plain. If one looks at the overall picture, Computer is acting as a record company - it is pre-packaging music, and it is procuring recordings and then selling them under its banner in exclusive tracks and virtual boxed sets.

    Computer's case on the true construction of the TMA and breach - an outline

    Computer's case gives a different meaning to the words use "on or in connection with". For most of the case Computer said that it meant a use which indicated the source or origin of the rights to the music, but in his final speech Lord Grabiner expanded this slightly to mean a use which indicates the source or origin of the rights in, or the right to control, the music. Computer emphasises the wide range of products within its own field of use, and particularly category (ii) (the services). Corps' field is narrower and confined to content. For Computer to cross into Corps' territory with its mark it would have to have indicated, by its use of the mark, that Computer was the source or origin of the music. That is said to be fundamental. It did not do so and has never done so. Its advertisements are always of the service (or of the iPod, which is hardware within head (i) of clause 1.2), and not of the content. The ownership of the rights is always attributed to the correct person within the ITMS and in the track information on any downloaded track. Other service providers use their marks in the same way - they use their marks to identify the service and do not go further and attribute them to the musical content.

    Clause 4.3 is an "avoidance of doubt" clause which affirms the right of the parties to use their respective marks in their own respective fields. Computer's main case was that there was no overlap of fields of use for the clause to deal with because conceptually the boundaries were clear. Lord Grabiner says it was designed to ensure that the arguments now advanced by Corps could not be correctly advanced. Alternatively, (and I think this was an alternative argument) it actually has the effect of meaning that "in connection with" cannot be taken as referring to a situation where Computer's mark is applied to a service delivering musical content. On this argument the provision goes somewhat beyond an "avoidance of doubt" provision. Computer then says that there is no material difference between the use of the apple logo in iTunes and its use on the ITMS, so Corps' non-objection in relation to the former means that there is no legitimate substance in their objection to the latter. Lord Grabiner also says that if he needs to he can also rely on head (iii) in Computer's field of use (the ancillary matters) including the references to financing and distribution, which permits the business-like performance of the fields of use in head (ii).

    The proper construction of the TMA

    I preface my conclusions on the proper construction of the TMA with two points. First, I am aware that I must be careful to keep the TMA in its correct place in the chronology and the development of technology and to construe it accordingly. The use of the internet, and the ready availability of all sorts of downloads, was not part of the technological scene at the time, and I cannot approach the question of construction as though the particular activity now conducted by Computer (and other digital suppliers) was in the parties' minds at the time. It is true that, as Mr Vos pointed out, it remains necessary to consider how the words of the agreement apply to

    --
    It's not offtopic, dumbass. It's orthogonal.
  71. Re:So Steve Job's Apple is not in the music busine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Somehow I think the judge would have had access for far more documentation than you did, and would also have had many years of presiding over cases such as this.

    I'm sure that his decision is most likely going to be fairly reasonably close to the actual reality of the situation.

    And indeed who the hell would confuse Apple Computer and Apple Corp? The logos are actually significantly different, and one is a computer company - look, it says so quite clearly in the name, that does computery stuff like have online stores that sell data. Apple Corp could be anything to be honest, but just happens to be a music publisher.

  72. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    That's a false conclusion. To be able to care less he merely needs to care more than zero.

  73. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    How long ago did they get rid of the special tool without which it was impossible to (nondestructively) open the case? The sheer hostility of that move stuck with me for a very long time. I'm finally considering a mini for porting, but I've heard they have many of the same upgrade limitations as a laptop, so it may have to be a throwaway (if the Intel switch ever pushes down prices on used PPC models).

  74. Re:So Steve Job's Apple is not in the music busine by SoulRider · · Score: 1

    Ummm...no. Apple signed a contract that said they would not get in the music business. That is sign, promote and distribute their own artists, as far as I know the agreement never states that Apple is prohibited from being a retail outlet of the music business.

  75. Re:Turned out "well?" by sribe · · Score: 1

    Probably. Most all Macs take standard PC memory. Since almost the beginning. Even the first PowerMacs used a slight variation of normal SIMMs.

    Actually, Apple started using SIMMs about 2 years before PC manufacturers did. Back in the '386 days "extended" RAM required a vendor-specific board which could usually only be bought pre-populated, at outrageous markups. Tandy was the first PC to adopt SIMMs, in about 1987 or so, shortly after Apple, but the others waited much longer.

  76. Of COURSE it was fucking sarcasm!!!! by GrahamCox · · Score: 1

    I'm just relieved that the battle of two bazillion dollar companies turned out well. Phew. I hope that was sarcasm although it does not convey well over the internet.

    Yes it does. Try reading a few examples of better English than the shit that gets passed off as it on the 'net. Like... books? There are subtler clues than having to have lame "sarcasm tags" or even worse, "emoticons". For fuck's sake.

    1. Re:Of COURSE it was fucking sarcasm!!!! by skingers6894 · · Score: 1

      :-P

  77. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "In fact, I would wager that the material aspects of their lives and the selling of their works are what in the end ruined them."

    Eh? Lenon getting shot probably had more of an impact, I'd say.

  78. Re:Turned out "well?" by Scudsucker · · Score: 1

    Which iMac? The origional form factor was a serious PITA to upgrade...generally would take you at least 20-30 minutes the first time unless you wanted a bunch of extra screws when you reassebled it. When the switched to the iLamps, though, I thought it was a simple matter of popping off a panel on the backside to put in another stick.

  79. Re:Turned out "well?" by Scudsucker · · Score: 1

    True, any amateur can try, but apple will void your warranty if they found out you opened your mini.

    Where do they say that?

  80. Judgement in Full by Kaessa · · Score: 2, Informative
    --
    I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
  81. Re:Turned out "well?" by Ohreally_factor · · Score: 1

    Again, that is incorrect. The Mini is user upgradable. Whoever told you otherwise was wrong.

    --
    It's not offtopic, dumbass. It's orthogonal.
  82. Re:Turned out "well?" by Golias · · Score: 4, Interesting

    True, any amateur can try, but apple will void your warranty if they found out you opened your mini.

    No, they won't. You are either badly misinfomed or else you are just spreading FUD.

    I have a mini, ordered the day they were introduced, and I upgraded the memory myself as soon as it arrived. I also swapped out the hard drive for a 7200 RPM one a few months later.

    The 1-year warranty remained 100% valid. (Although, obviously the 3rd-party items I installed are not covered by AppleCare.) I didn't buy the extended warranty, so I believe it just ran out last month.

    The mini is very easy to open. The little clips are not nearly as brittle as the FUD-meisters would have you believe. They bend away and/or snap out with no damage at all.

    I found the tricky part to be getting it to close back up correctly. You gotta line up the airport antenna just right, then get all those little plastic clips clipped back in while lining up this little pad with the back panel. Took me 2 or 3 attempts the first time I did it.

    --

    Information wants to be anthropomorphized.

  83. Re:Turned out "well?" by litac · · Score: 2, Insightful

    But all of the "all in one" types with the built in monitor are a fricking nightmare. Where have you been for the last 18 months? The latest iteration of the iMac (the "all in one" models you must be talking about) are almost completely user accessible. In fact, when there were noise problems with the Rev. A version, Apple was sending out the mid-planes directly to the users for replacement. I'll agree that the "sunflower" model was not terribly accessible, nor was the original CRT iMac, but the flat panel is incredibly well designed from an accessibility standpoint. Adding RAM is a snap - just look at this diagram http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303 084. In fact, there is a whole list of things you can replace on your iMac - all involving opening up the back of the computer http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=868 12.

  84. To All Who said it couldn't happen by chivo243 · · Score: 0

    Thanks for all the cool comments on the last topic of Apple vs. Apple, like when hell freezes over, or fat chance of "winning in England", so all you that posted nice comments, you're cool, for all the jerks who got all worked up and fed me lines of shit, go piss up a rope!

    --
    Sig Hansen?
  85. Mal Roadie not Neil by BodhiCat · · Score: 2, Informative

    The article says that Neil Aspinall, now manager of Apple Corps, was the Beatles' first roadie. Neil wasn't a roadie, he was a press agent. Mal Evans is well know as the Beatles roadie, go-fer and body guard.

    The Beatles were great musicians, but terrible business men. The story of the mess that was Apple has been documented in several books including "The Love you Make" by Peter Brown.

  86. Re:Turned out "well?" by UnknowingFool · · Score: 1
    I enjoy the fact that OSX has Bourne-Again SHell (BASH) capabilities (correct me if I'm wrong) although I hate their pricing and closed machine mentality--though that may change with x86 architecture. If I want to slap another stick of RAM into my machine, I should be able to without being a licensed Apple technician.

    If you want complete openness you can buy your own parts and build a PC. If you want an Apple Mac, you have to buy their machine and no one is forcing you to do so.

    In terms of pricing, this argument is so old. You can get a Dell with the basic requirements for cheaper. But when you start trying to exactly match the models in terms of both hardware and software specs, Apples are pretty competitive price wise.

    As for servicing your Mac, this is untrue except for the Mac mini. Ever since the resurrection of Apple with the iMac, Apples have used more and more PC components. With the latest generation, even the CPU is PC based. I added standard PC memory to my parent's eMac when I bought it four years ago. The Apple tech that helped me with the sale even showed me how.

    The Mac mini is different. You can service it if you want. You might void your warranty though. The Mac mini was designed to be a lowend machine with few customizations allowed. Hence the lower price. Could it have been designed to be more user servicable? Probably but the compactness may have been sacrificed.

    --
    Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
  87. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Your story makes no sense. If his computer was under warranty, he would not be charged to do the repairs. If the computer was not under warranty, the threat of losing his warranty would be meaningless.

    From a technical standpoint, you still are short. G4 computer have all used standard ATA(PI) optical drives. You could have bought from any number of online resellers and replaced it yourself (quite easily).

    From a historical standpoint, you seem mistaken. Apple Press Release (October 17, 2001):

    "We accomplished a lot in FY 2001, even though it was a challenging year for us and our industry," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We gained market share in education, and iBook sales to education tripled last quarter; we launched Mac OS X, and released the stunningly fast 10.1 update in September; we opened our first Apple retail stores, and are on track to open 25 stores across the U.S. by the end of 2001." [emphasis added]

    You should have put your emphasis on the "bit" part.

  88. Re:Turned out "well?" by porcupine8 · · Score: 1
    When I bought my eMac, it had a bad stick of RAM. When I called Apple about it, the guy on the phone talked me through how to open the machine up so I could test each of the sticks separately to see which it was. Then when I figured it out, I just took the bad stick to the Apple store where they gave me a new one back, which I then installed myself. At no point was there any mention of any this activity voiding my warranty (if it did, I assume I would have had to pay for the new RAM).

    I also added in more RAM just a year ago, and had no trouble doing that either.

    True, if you want to change out something more complicated than the RAM, you're probably facing a bigger challenge - but RAM has never been untouchable.

    --
    Warning: Apple/Nintendo fangirl. Likes her electronics cute & cuddly. May be rabid.
  89. Apple iTMS? Where did you get that? by YesIAmAScript · · Score: 1

    Where did you see it referred to as Apple iTMS?

    It's iTunes Music Store, not Apple iTunes Music Store.

    And the reason for this must be pretty obvious.

    Yeah, I could figure Apple Corps could start their own music service, called Apple iDMS. Steve Jobs is such a Beatles' fan (even after all this), Apple Computer would never sue Apple Corps.

    As to a lack of "Fair Play". I just don't see it that way. Apple Computer and Apple Corps settled this issue TWICE over the past twenty years (with payments and agreements). Apple Corps for some reason then decided they didn't need to stick to the terms of the settlement.

    In the end, if you feel being there first and occupying a small corner of the music marketplace means you get to be the only one who gets to use the name of a popular fruit, then yes, there was some massive railroading going on here. Apple Computer ran over Apple Corps repeatedly and like a freight train.

    But I just don't see it that way.

    --
    http://lkml.org/lkml/2005/8/20/95
  90. Slashdot New Low by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    How can this fact and quote be a "Story Update" if they're included in the story itself? (on page 1, nothing less). Moderators have been tricked.

    1. Re:Slashdot New Low by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 1

      How can this fact and quote be a "Story Update" if they're included in the story itself? (on page 1, nothing less). Moderators have been tricked.

      Because the story, Hemos's additions to the submission, etc were all updated after my comment.

      Have a look at the time I made my comment, the time the macworld story came out & the time the slashdot story came out & it's obvious the story was updated after I made my comment.

      Yeesh, I know that many of the Microsoft Shills do not like my Whiney-Mac-Advocacy, but is that any reason to try & get me senselessly modded down?

      --
      There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.
  91. Re:Turned out "well?" by Random832 · · Score: 1

    How soon they forget.

    It's been quite a bit longer than 18 months since the computers he's talking about were current. Do you know what one of these is?

    --
    We've secretly replaced Slashdot with new Folgers Crystals - let's see if it notices.
  92. Hahaha. by manowarthegreat · · Score: 0

    Apple Corp, I get it.

  93. Retail, not music by SuperKendall · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Apple Computer sells digital content - Music, TV shows, audio books.

    If Apple Computer is in the music business, then so is 7-11 for selling cheap CD's in the store.

    Apple computer is in the retail business, not the music business.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:Retail, not music by jigjigga · · Score: 0

      lol. How can you not clearly see how in violation Apple computers is of the agreement? They release an ipod, clearly a music player, and then must have itunes to legitimize the product (remember rio got sued for selling just the mp3 player), so itunes is a way to legitimize it. At the same time, they are selling music. It isn't like 7-11 at all. You zealots need to get your heads out of your arses and think a little bit.

    2. Re:Retail, not music by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

      LOL. How can you not see the difference between storage media which the consumer fills themselves and distribution of music on physical media? Apple does not distribute music on physical media.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
    3. Re:Retail, not music by jigjigga · · Score: 1

      how can the RIAA claim that data is music and thus under copyright when it isn't physical?

    4. Re:Retail, not music by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1
      The performance is copyright as are any reproductions of said performance. Had you recorded a live concert yourself, you would have a case perhaps but not in this case. A work of art does not have to be physical, in fact, written works are not copyright because they appear on paper. Rather, the content of said writings is what is copyright.

      I'd like to ask you a question, do you expect other people to respect the copyright of anything you create? Do you mind people ripping you off and passing it off as their own? When you are "sharing" music on the net via P2P, you are doing exactly that. You are trying to pass off that recording as your own when it is not. Look at the word copyright. What does that tell you? It is about the "right" to "copy" and distribute. If you do not own the copyright, you do not have the right to distribute that work.

      Listen, you can try to rationalize it all you want or try to use legal wording tricks to justify it to yourself but ultimately, what you do comes down to respect. You are showing a zero respect by distributing recordings that the artists made themselves via label recording studios.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
    5. Re:Retail, not music by jigjigga · · Score: 1

      i dont think you got what i was saying... if digital music is equal to physical music, then apple is indeed selling music!

    6. Re:Retail, not music by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

      Yes, and so are record stores like Sam the Record Man, Best Buy, Walmart but are any of them in the record business or in the retail business?

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
  94. Relax by the+phantom · · Score: 1

    Jeez... Damned if you do, damned if you don't. If someone makes a sarcastic comment, and leaves off tags, someone will flame him for being an idiot. If someone makes a sarcastic comment, and included sarcasm tags, he gets flamed for including unnecessary comments. Christ, people, relax!

  95. Re:Turned out "well?" by gobbo · · Score: 1
    How long ago did they get rid of the special tool without which it was impossible to (nondestructively) open the case? The sheer hostility of that move stuck with me for a very long time. I'm finally considering a mini for porting, but I've heard they have many of the same upgrade limitations as a laptop, so it may have to be a throwaway (if the Intel switch ever pushes down prices on used PPC models).

    Well, there was the ultra-long torx wrench and case-cracker combo, but that was more than 15 years ago...

    I guess you're thinking of the Mini, which needs a spatula-style implement to spread the case snaps out to lift the shell off. No big deal really, just a factor of having a snug, small case with no obvious screws, a trade-off for nifty appliance-like design features. Given how easy it is to get into the iMac, I don't think Apple's particularly hostile to you getting in there. If you need to, you can. If you can't go to a support website, you shouldn't be in there anyway, :p

    Regarding treating a Mac as a throwaway: let me introduce you to the used Mac market. It's outrageously overpriced, ostensibly because Macs obsolete more slowly, so you don't need to trash or upgrade, just trade up. I hate computer/car metaphors, but in this case, resale value of a Mac really is like that of a Honda. Often the price of upgrading is more than selling your old machine and buying a new one, if you sell at the right time (18 months or so, I can't remember the metric).

  96. Thanks, I needed a laugh today. by jpellino · · Score: 1

    Glad I finished my coffee first, cuz doing a spit-take all over the monitor would NOT be covered under warranty...

    First, if his machine was under warranty, just bring it back and have Apple replace it for free. Apple, like every other vendor, can't just hand out hardware cuz you swear there's a bad one twenty blocks away. 2000 is before they had Apple Stores so this must have been a reseller, but still...

    Not just Apple, but anyone - RS, BestBuy, Walmart - ANYONE would want the old one back before they hand you a free one. Honestly, did he think they were just handing out spares on the word of anyone who walks thru the door?

    Unless it's not gone bad but perhaps used as a coffee holder, donut holder, bookshelf or pet perch, in which case he's unfortuately out of luck. On the other hand, when I sent my iBook in for a screen failure that was under warranty, they also supplied me with a shiny new case top, palmrests and fresh Little Rubber Feet.

    Someone got their signals crossed:

    1. Apple doesn't have to send it back for testing - any Apple store will first bench test it with known-good parts and/or the standard hardware tests on the network or an external drive.

    2. There is no $20,000 fine for violating any customer agreement. You just void your warranty, period.

    3. If in the end he did what they wanted him to - brought it in to keep it under warrany - then why would they charge him $1,000 for a drive that supposedly went bad under warranty? In 2000 it had to be the original G4 tower - and there's no way a CD swap in a G4 tower is a $1,000 repair.

    --
    "Win treats sysadmins better than users. Mac treats users better than sysadmins. Linux treats everyone like sysadmins."
  97. What does Apple Corps own? by SpeedyG5 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    If Michael Jackson ala Sony owns the beatles library, what does apple corps own?

    1. Re:What does Apple Corps own? by jigjigga · · Score: 1, Informative

      Apple owns all pictures, videos, concerts, recordings, tapes, etc... Jackson, now sony, *only* owns the ability for new artists singing it etc and to use in commercials or whatever... Apple Corps's assets, in the recordings, are worth "more [money] than jesus".

    2. Re:What does Apple Corps own? by welshsocialist · · Score: 1

      The previous post is right. Michael Jackson and SONY share half of the publishing rights to about 250 (or so) Beatles tunes, not counting a few early songs. In the articles I read, Capitol Records or EMI owns the tape reels, masters, etc. There was nothing about Apple Corps, unless Apple Corps is a front for Capitol Records or EMI. It seems that this confusing arrangement arose from bad money choices the Beatles made in the 60's. See Cecil or Snopes on this.

      --
      Support the Chagossians
  98. Re:Turned out "well?" by Kadin2048 · · Score: 1

    Huh? I've upgraded the RAM in the original iMac, and it had a nice little door on the bottom that you opened up to insert more RAM. You didn't need to (and weren't supposed to!) crack the case. It was just a matter of unplugging it, setting it face-down on a towel or something, unscrewing the compartment cover, inserting the memory, and then putting the door back on.

    I have stuff that's harder to change the batteries in than that. (Questionably designed stuff, but still.)

    I can't remember exactly what "rev" that iMac was, but it was one of the original CRT ones; it might have been a slot-loader.

    --
    "Ladies and gentlemen, my killbot features Lotus Notes and a machine gun. It is the finest available."
  99. Re:Turned out "well?" by TheLink · · Score: 1

    "Do not hate the companies that use the laws in their favor, hate the government that enforces the laws."

    In all countries I know of, the law allows people to be assholes.

    BUT someone being an asshole is not a problem with the law, but a problem with that someone.

    That said, the leaders of a company hold the greatest responsibility for its behaviour.

    --
  100. Appeal? by AriaStar · · Score: 1

    Wait, wait, wait, by what law can a plaintiff file an appeal? Most American law is based on English common law, including the court process. Filing in a higher court on new grounds for the same request is premissible, but I am uncertain how they can simply appeal a judgement found in the defendant's favor.

  101. I've Never Heard of Apple Corp by aplusjimages · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I've heard of the Beatles
    I've heard of Apple (computers)
    But I've never heard of Apple Corp., I doubt a lot of consumers have heard of Apple Corp. even though they are a wealthy company. I doubt Apple (computers) is affecting their bottomline.

    --
    Can I bum a sig?
    1. Re:I've Never Heard of Apple Corp by ickoonite · · Score: 1

      But I've never heard of Apple Corp., I doubt a lot of consumers have heard of Apple Corp. even though they are a wealthy company.

      Just because you are ignorant does not make others so.

      iqu :|

    2. Re:I've Never Heard of Apple Corp by aplusjimages · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      that's funny because you're an ass.

      --
      Can I bum a sig?
    3. Re:I've Never Heard of Apple Corp by qzulla · · Score: 1

      Nice well thought out reply. The members of /. salute you.

      qz

  102. New A.C low. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    new A.C. Low!

    your obviously another whiney mac user who's jealous of the real whiny mac user's /. success

  103. Re:Turned out "well?" by CableModemSniper · · Score: 1

    Yeah closing the damn thing up took freaking forever.

    --
    Why not fork?
  104. What is a record label? by twitter · · Score: 1
    From the wikipedia:

    Apple Records is a record label, founded in 1968 as a division of Apple Corps Ltd. by The Beatles. ... EMI and Capitol agreed to distribute Apple Records until 1975; Apple owned the rights to records by artists they signed, while EMI retained ownership of the Beatles' records, though issuing them under the Apple label. The label survived the breakup of the Beatles in 1970, and was resurrected in the late 1980s, for use on all Beatles CDs. Apple Records own the rights to all of the Beatle videos and movie clips. ... During the 1974 proceedings dissolving the Beatles as an entity, a court ruling decreed that eighty perent of all profits from Beatles albums (as a group) would accrue to Apple Records, and five percent would go to each of the four members.

    What did the label actually do? If we assume Apple took care of all the nasty little details of signing bands recording their music, what did Capitol and EMI do? Are they lables even though they did little more than make a contract and "distribute" recorded music?

    How is that different from what Apple Computer is doing? The only obvious difference between what Apple is doing and what the "labels" are doing is that, once again, the labels are keeping all of the money and others are doing all the work. Apple has indeed become a publisher of music and a label and just another part of the business of screwing musicians.

    They also look like they have violated their agreement by using their apple logo and name all over the iTunes site.

    --

    Friends don't help friends install M$ junk.

    1. Re:What is a record label? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      what did Capitol and EMI do? Are they lables even though they did little more than make a contract and "distribute" recorded music?

      What exactly is your question here? Apple would have recorded and produced the records, while EMI and Capitol would typically manage distribution and advertising.

      Are you complaining about the involvement of the "evil" music companies? That's nice, but these were the 50s and 60s where you still needed the 'shelf' presence of the big distributors to sell records. There was no eDonkey or band websites. The idea of decentralized distribution is one that was born with the WWW and has been feasible only for a few years. The world has not changed yet, and whining about how horrible things used to be to make a vague point (which I didn't quite get from your post anyway) won't change it any time soon.

  105. Didn't they produce some band before Wings? by billstewart · · Score: 1
    Appealing? They were very appealing in the 70s...

    Also, didn't Michael Jackson own a large chunk of the Beatles' IP rights for a while (presumably being sold off to Sony to over his debts...)?

    --

    Bill Stewart
    New Fast-Compression-only CPR http://preview.tinyurl.com/dy575ks
  106. If I were Apple Corps by Swift2001 · · Score: 1

    I would remaster all my greatest hits and sell them online at the Apple Store.

  107. Apple Corp should have won... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This all started in the 80s when there was a battle over the Apple trademark (Apple Corp owned the Apple trademark and an Apple logo).

    They both settled fairly - Apple records would allow Apple computers the use of the Apple trademark AS LONG AS THEY DIDN'T GET INTO THE MUSIC BUSINESS.

    This was okay for a while, thinks were good.

    Then Apple computers went and blatantly broke that agreement.

    The reason they won this case is because they had better lawyers - They managed to twist the case to convince the judge that they were not music publishers, but merely distributors of data.

    I mean, come-fucking-on!!! That is just such a load of BS!!!

    I'm not a big fan of Apple records because they are monopolistic bastards regarding the Beetle back catalogue, but in this case I hope they get Apple comp...

    They way they've just gone and broken that agreement and then cheesing such a deceitful win in court really riles me.
    Apple records could have *destroyed* them back in the 80s, but they settled instead, and now Apple comp have gone and stabbed them in the back!

    Now... I agree that in the land of Rational Thought, there is no way you could confuse Apple Comp with Apple Records, but when the heck has that ever stopped ANY company from suing another company in a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT INDUSTRY for having a similar name?

    It certainly never stopped Apple comp...

    1. Re:Apple Corp should have won... by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

      *Sarcasm*That's right. Including a microphone or midi device access and a sound card is getting into the music business. *Sarcasm* Give me a break. You really should look up the history on this issue. Apple had been bullied in to the previous agreement before Jobs returned to the helm. The agreement never should have happened in the first place.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
  108. No ... by nonsuchworks · · Score: 1

    You're wrong. Neil was the Beatles' original roadie; he happened to be friends with Pete Best, and became the Beatles' roadie because he owned his own van. Mal was later hired when the job became too demanding for Neil to do alone. Later, when the Beatles became hugely successful, Neil and Mal went from being roadies to personal assistants/confidants. It was only when the Beatles decided to run their own affairs following the death of Brian Epstein that Neil assumed a management role. He was never the Beatles' press officer, that task being taken by Tony Barrow and Derek Taylor.

  109. When I was born on 12/8/80... by AriaStar · · Score: 0, Troll

    ...so much greatness came into this world that the gods decided to take out John Lennon just a few hours later via some insane nutjob to keep the greatness-meter in balance.

  110. Ringo MUST be rich by doodlelogic · · Score: 1

    after all, he's the voice of Thomas the Tank Engine!

  111. Re:Turned out "well?" by ickoonite · · Score: 1

    I remember commenting on this before, and although one or two dismissed my suggestion that it was a braindead Americanism, others concurred, as did some here. The Yanks appeared to try to justify it by saying it was ironic and now a standard idiom, but in Britain at least, it is quite simply wrong, and "couldn't care less" is the correct term.

    Personally I don't buy the justifications and believe it just boils down to pure stupidity, but then I am English, so of course I would think that.

    iqu :P

  112. And they're appealing? by Corsican+Upstart · · Score: 3, Funny
    I think Apple Corps should let it be...

    </Yet another obligatory Beatles joke>
  113. Re:So Steve Job's Apple is not in the music busine by gnasher719 · · Score: 1

    '' Apple signed a contract that said they would not get in the music business. That is sign, promote and distribute their own artists, as far as I know the agreement never states that Apple is prohibited from being a retail outlet of the music business. ''

    Actually, I could imagine that Apple Computer could be quite keen to create its own record label. And there would be three ways to do this: 1. Buy Apple Records. 2. Pay Apple Records for the right to use the Apple Computer trademark anywhere they like, including the record business. 3. Start the "iTunes Record Company", carefully avoiding any mentioning of Apple in the process.

    If Apple Computer can convince Apple Records that they are willing to do (3), they might be able to make them agree to (2) for a reasonable price.

  114. Re:Turned out "well?" by falsified · · Score: 1

    They could just paint some screws white? I don't think that'd ruin anything...

    --
    HI, MY NAME IS ISAAC.
  115. Re:It wasn't a Trademark Suit...- Poss implication by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If the contention is that Apple Computers is not selling music, but data, does that mean that if I rip a cd (or even better vinyl) myself, and share it on line, I am sharing my own data, not someone else's music.
    Opinions anyone?

  116. Re:Turned out "well?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's wrong, but this battle is pretty much lost.

  117. Re:Turned out "well?" by v1 · · Score: 1

    Turns out apple is very tight-lipped about this. Find me ONE PAGE at apple.com that tells you how to upgrade memory in a mac mini. There are several dozen pages that tell you how to upgrade your memory on every other model of mac.

    Here's best I could do.

    http://www.clubmac.com/clubmac/families/new~dp~704 0646~family~macmini_intel.asp

    Memory 256MB Upgrade installed into your Mac mini. Upgrade is a 512MB RAM module, but due to the necessary removal of original 256MB RAM module, net gain will be 256MB. Price of upgrade includes $39.99 install fee. Memory is not user-installable.

    It's not word from Apple, but since there IS no word from Apple, a memory retailer (someone that WANTS to sell you memory) would be a good authority when telling you what their product cannot do.

    Please remember there is a big difference between "I can do this" and "the manufacturer says I can do this without voiding my warranty". Too many trolls replying to my post that apparently want to brag that they can do the upgrade. That wasn't my point.

    --
    I work for the Department of Redundancy Department.
  118. Re:Turned out "well?" by v1 · · Score: 1

    Again, that is incorrect. The Mini is user upgradable. Whoever told you otherwise was wrong.

    Guess you can go run to Steve and tell him he doesn't know anything about macs...

    Quoteth the Apple Service Manual for the mac mini:

    Additional memory should be installed by an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.

    (there's a reason "Apple certified Macintosh repair tech" is in my user profile)

    Though I still find it odd that there are no public documents that state this. Guessing Apple doesn't want y'all to realize that installing memory in a Mini isn't for the newbies.

    --
    I work for the Department of Redundancy Department.
  119. Need to think a little more by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    I can buy a dirt cheap CD player and CD in a lot of retail stores - exactly like what Apple is selling. You confusion in distinguishing between devices that PLAY music and companies that RECORD music is fiarly astounding.

    You do realize there's not a tiny little band inside that iPod right? Not even the first gen model.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  120. Re:Turned out "well?" by Scudsucker · · Score: 1

    It was just a matter of unplugging it, setting it face-down on a towel or something, unscrewing the compartment cover, inserting the memory, and then putting the door back on.

    Not on the Rev A it wasn't. :) You had to remove a plastic panel on the back, unscrew the video & power supply cords, remove the screws holding the chasis to the monitor, pull out the chasis, remove the cpu cover, and add your memory. If you wanted to upgrade the existing 32 meg chip that came with the computer, you also had to take off the daughter card. Some of the early iMacs had plastic clips to hold in the memory that were easy to break off as well, making the slot rather useless. Some pictures and instructions here.

  121. Re:Turned out "well?" by Golias · · Score: 1

    "should" and "must" are two very different concepts.

    A lot of people should have a service provider upgrade their memory.

    Then again, a lot of people should not attempt to do their own car brakes.

    To restate: Changing the memory in a mini DOES NOT void your warranty. Not only is such a thing never stated by Apple, I know from actual, real-world experience that they still honor the warranty on home-upgraded minis.

    --

    Information wants to be anthropomorphized.

  122. Yeah sure. by jotaeleemeese · · Score: 1

    What you are saying is complete nonsense.

    The Beattles experimented with avant guard techniques, were conversant with modern composing methods of their times, investigated and used Estern music influences, and in general demonstrated that they were musicians through and through. The Stones remained pretty much where they started, and as for The Animals, you surely are joking.

    I know a lot of people that are bored by Mozart, Beethoven or even Stravinsky (for bunnies sakes, Stravinsky) but that reflects badly in the inculture of the speaker, not in the worthiness of the artist.

    --
    IANAL but write like a drunk one.
    1. Re:Yeah sure. by Fallus+Shempus · · Score: 1

      At least I can spell Beatles...

  123. Not M$ by BT224 · · Score: 1

    You must mean Linux users.

  124. Re:Turned out "well?" by v1 · · Score: 1

    Seeing as there is no public information to support either of our views as to warranty, I'll have a chat with them tomorrow and see what their official position is. I would tend to believe that this could void your warranty, but that in most cases Apple would turn a blind eye, but hold onto their options in the event a customer say.. snapped a dimm clip off or something while trying to upgrade it. Just because they chose to honor a warranty in one or two cases doesn't mean they have to. Companies like to keep their options open.

    OK I stand corrected, I found one reference to upgrading a mini's memory:

    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303 407

    This talks about 'if the user installs their own memory' to try to install in matched pairs for improved video performance. This seems to support your argument. So we're 1 and 1. ;) I've sent an email out to get the final word on the matter.

    --
    I work for the Department of Redundancy Department.
  125. Mistaken, not Saddened by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    This is a travesty - not for the gain or loss of two billionaire corporations, but for the simple concept of fair play that has been ignored.
    It is a travesty - that Apple Corps is just fishing for some Apple iTMS money. Here's the 1991 agreement between the two Apples. Read section 4.3 (carefully now, all you ADD/.ers 'cos it has lots of words per sentence:)

    Apple Corps gave Apple Computers the right to do exactly what they are doing with iTMS. And now Apple Corps wants some of the iTMS action.

  126. Apple Corps uses the SCO playbook by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    I'm no expert in such things, but it sounds like they had a pretty decent case. Apple Computer had signed a contract, and although the judge agreed with them that it wasn't violated, they certainly appear to be close to violating it.
    This is just crap - and everyone's buying into the story that Apple (Mac) violated the agreement and Apple (Grannysmith) is the injured party. Here is the 1991 agreement. Go to section 4.3 - read it, deconstruct it, ...whatever...

    Now explain how Apple (Mac) has violated the terms of their agreement with iTMS. Anyone??

    Justice Mann got it right.

  127. Re:Turned out "well?" by v1 · · Score: 1

    In case anyone still cares, (it's an old thread) I have official word from Apple on the matter.

    What it boils down to is that opening your mini to add memory in and of itself does not void the warranty, HOWEVER, any damaged caused by the user attempting the upgrade, or any problems that result from the upgrade, voids the warranty. So for example, if you try to upgrade your memory and now it won't boot, and you have to spend half an hour on the phone with Apple to figure out you didn't have the new memory stick properly seated, you will be billled for that time and your warranty is kerpoof.

    I prefer direct answers from Apple over "I think" or "in my experience" because those are two highly variable things from person to person.

    --
    I work for the Department of Redundancy Department.
  128. Re:Turned out "well?" by cultrhetor · · Score: 1

    The manual that came with my iBook showed how to do it. It took all of five minutes to upgrade.

    --
    "Tu fui, ego eris" - Virgil
  129. Re:Turned out "well?" by Pollardito · · Score: 1

    CompUSA did this to me as well when i purchased a 12" PowerMac and an extra RAM stick as. they insisted that they had to install it if i wanted to maintain the warranty. when i asked them how long it would take the salesperson went and asked the tech people, and they told him that they were closing shop in 20 minutes so i should just do it myself rather than waiting overnight. overzealous salespeople at CompUSA will tell you just about anything to get you to spend more money there, i think it's the reason that store will never, ever win the sales race.