The Beatles end Apple dispute

The Beatles and Apple computers have reached an agreement after years of dispute over the 'Apple' name.

The band, who set up their 'Apple Corp' record label in the late sixties, started arguing with the technology giant in 1980 when George Harrison saw an advert for an Apple computer.

The two companies reached a deal in 1981 that allowed Apple Inc to use the name for non-music related products, something that has proved problematic since the introduction of the iPod.

The new deal, which could see The Beatles allowing their back catalogue to be released through iTunes for the first time, will mean that Apple Inc will have control over the name and license some rights back to the band.

"We love the Beatles and it has been painful being at odds with them over these trademarks," said Apple boss Steve Jobs.

"It feels great to resolve this in a positive manner, and in a way that should remove the potential of further disagreements in the future."