Apple's foray into online music looks set to cost it millions, as a long-running copyright dispute with the Beatles cranks up to the next level, reports MediaGuardian.co.uk.
"Apple Computer has been locked in legal disputes with Apple Corps - The Beatles' holding company that controls Apple Records - over the brand name and logo for 23 years.
"And legal experts say Apple Computer may have to make what could be the largest out of court settlement in history, according to US lawyers.
"The current row is over Apple Corps' claim that the computer manufacturer is in breach of a 1991 agreement that forbids it from using the trademark for any application "whose principal content is music".
"But in April 2003 Apple Computer launched iTunes in the US, which allows Mac users to download songs from the internet for a small sum. The service launched in the UK this summer and Apple's iPod - the personal music player to use with the iTunes system - has become one of the most desirable consumer products.
"Reports in the US say US lawyers are expecting an imminent out of court settlement that will dwarf the $30m (£16.3m) paid to the fab four's company in 1991."
