In 1989 Apple Computer paid Apple Corps. (the Beatles’ label) $27 million to settle a trademark lawsuit.  I believe that Apple also paid several million in legal fees at the time (Apple’s unsuccessful attempt at getting insurance to pay its fees reported here).  Without seeing the 1989 settlement agreement, I can’t comment on the somewhat surprising news that Apple Computer launched its new iTunes service without assurance that Apple Corps. wouldn’t sue again.  It has.  Update – the WSJ reports that the suit was filed in the UK on Juy 4.

This makes Apple Computer look like a repeat offender.

A lot of coverage here.