Guide Note
Apple Corps is the corporation founded in January, 1968 by The Beatles in order to replace their earlier existing company Beatles Ltd. Apple Corps had several divisions including Apple Records, Apple Electronics, Apple Films, Apple Publishing, Zapple Records and Apple Retail. The company's headquarters were located at 3 Savile Row in London, the location of The Beatles last public performance as a group. The retail division included a store called the Apple Boutique on Baker Street in London, but it was closed less than a year later due to lack of profits. Apple Records included such bands as Badfinger and James Taylor.
Apple Corps has had ongoing legal issues with Apple Computer Company, who agreed not to enter the music business in a 1981 settlement. However, Apple Corps has continued bringing suit against the electronics company for violating that agreement, particularly with the advent of the iTunes Music Store in 2003.
Fast Facts
- 1978 Dispute: Apple Records sues Apple Computer
- Notable Apple Publishing: Yoko Ono, Billy Preston
- Apple Corps divisions were retired in 1975
- Company still owned by all four Beatles/their estates
