A BATTLE over name rights between the Apple computer company and Apple Corps, the Beatles’ record label, may take years to settle, according to Steve Jobs, chief executive of the computer group.

Mr Jobs told The Times that the two sides’ latest quarrel looks destined to be decided by a judge. He said: “It’s really stupid. We can’t reach an agreement, but the courts could drag on for a few years.”

Apple Computer and Apple Corps signed a pact a decade ago on what each can do with the name, but now disagree on its terms. Mr Jobs said: “We’re going to have to take it to court to find out who’s right.”

Apple Corps, for whose pun name Sir Paul McCartney takes credit, is seeking an injunction over Apple’s revolutionary iTunes, which allows customers access to 200,000 songs at 99 cents (62p) a go. Apple Corps, owned by Sir Paul, Ringo Starr, and the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison, is mounting a High Court action, saying the US computer group has breached their pact by using the name to promote music products. Apple Corps refused to comment yesterday.

Mr Jobs co-founded Apple in 1975 and chaired it till 1985. Since returning to Apple in 1997 he has restored its fortunes with innovative products such as iTunes. “The contract with Apple Corps was signed before I came back. It’s an issue I inherited,” he said.

Apple Corps did a deal in 1981 letting Apple use its name for computers, leaving the Beatles use in entertainment. Computer editing of music led to a further dispute and, after court battles costing an estimated £7 million in legal fees, the two sides reached a pact in 1991. Now they are in dispute on iTunes.

Mr Jobs said: “The whole thing is unfortunate because we love the Beatles.”