LONDON -- Two legendary firms in the music industry will meet today in a London courtroom to fight it out over one of the world's most recognizable logos: a simple piece of fruit.
Apple Corps., the Beatles' record label and guardian of the band's business interests, is suing
The case will be heard by Judge Martin Mann, who has said in pretrial hearings that he owns an iPod, which is used with iTunes software.
At issue is a 1991 pact between the two Apples in which each agreed not to tread on the other's toes by entering into a ''field of use" accord over the trademark.
Apple Computer said that ''unfortunately, Apple and Apple Corps. now have differing interpretations of this agreement and will need to ask a court to resolve this dispute."
Apple Corps. -- founded in 1968 and owned by surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr; John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono; and George Harrison's estate -- is seeking an injunction to enforce the 1991 agreement and damages for the alleged contract breach.