Apple could brand own Facebook-killer with fruity logos used by the Beatles

In a strange turn of fate, California-based Apple is moving to trademark the famed fruity logos once used by the Beatles, following a 23-year legal dispute between the two companies. Furthermore, Apple makes specific mention of a social network in the fourteen international classifications that cover possible uses for the two logos. How can Apple, Inc. claim ownership of the Beatles’ logos in the first place, you ask.

It’s because Apple Corps lost their legal rights to the Granny Smith Apple Logos as part of a 2007 settlement, PatentlyApple explains. Apple wants to trademark the two famed figurative Apple logos under 14 specific International Classifications that cover dozens of various uses, the publication wrote:

To ensure final ownership of the famed Apple logos, Apple Inc. has filed a pair of trademark applications with the European Trademarks Office under 14 International Classifications covering such matters as computer hardware, online social networking services, mobile phones, musical instruments, games, clothing/headgear, advertising, education and broadcasting.

Interestingly, one of the 14 classifications makes specific mention of “online social networking services” and “providing a social networking website.” This could indicate plans for an Apple-branded social network akin to Facebook. Of course, we’re only speculating here and your guess is as good as ours. In any case, such a legal maneuvering is not unusual. Even if Apple never uses these logos in actual products, the trademark will ensure Apple’s brand consistency because it prevents other companies from claiming ownership to the logos that look remarkably similar to the now famous Apple logo.

A shape representing an apple that’s been bitten into was originally conceived by the art designer Rob Janoff in 1977 and Apple’s been using it ever since. It has biblical connotations that represent knowledge while pronouncing the bite as “byte” is an unmistakable reference to computer technology.

Apple’s legal dispute with Apple Corps, a company that manages all business deals for The Beatles, dragged on for 23 years, during which time Apple, Inc. was prohibited from entering the music business or marketing music-related initiatives under its brand. The release of the Beatles catalog on iTunes last year following the 2007 settlement put an end to this odd legal wrangling.