1. 1978: two companies, one name
Apple Corps, the company founded by the Beatles and owner of their label Apple Records, sued Apple Computer for trademark infringement. Both used the name Apple, one for music and the other for computers.
2. 1981: the first agreement
The lawsuit ended with an agreement. According to Wikipedia, Apple Computer paid 80,000 dollars and promised not to enter the music business, and Apple Corps promised not to enter the computer business.
3. 1989 to 1991: another lawsuit
Apple's computers began to include sound and music features, and in 1989 Apple Corps sued again, saying the agreement had been breached. In 1991 a new settlement arrived, with a payment of around 26.5 million dollars to Apple Corps and a split of what each company could do with the name.
4. 2003 to 2006: the music store
In 2003 Apple Corps sued again, this time over the use of the Apple logo on the iTunes music store. In May 2006 a judge in England ruled in favor of Apple Computer.
5. 2007: the final agreement
In February 2007 the two companies announced an agreement: Apple Inc. became owner of all the trademarks related to Apple and licensed some of them back to Apple Corps for continued use. According to Wikipedia, some of the terms are confidential.
6. The lesson for your business
A name can turn into a years-long fight when two companies use it in fields that touch. Before you grow, check whether yours already has an owner and register it. Here is how to search for it.
Register before you grow
That name cost the Beatles years of lawsuits. For a small business the risk is simpler: investing in a name you later have to change.
Sources
If you would rather have us do it, message us on WhatsApp or see Trademark Registration (IMPI).