"... Not close to being a startup by then, and it worked out great for them? ..."
I think Apple Computer was lucky initially, since then quite pragmatic.
Apple Records was incorporated in '68 ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Records and in business with the major players in the record industry. Apple Computer incorporated in Jan '77 and by '78 the first legal suit was filed http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Corps_v_Apple_Computer. This might seem a long time but in legal time, short. Both companies have been in and out of the courts ever since. At this early stage could Apple Records have squashed Apple Computers brand? I think the smart thing Apple Computer did was negotiate, license where everyone made money and not to reveal themselves as a threat until the iPod/iTunes. The real losers are distributors while both Apples still make money. Apple now controls the chain.
I think Apple Computer was lucky initially, since then quite pragmatic.
Apple Records was incorporated in '68 ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Records and in business with the major players in the record industry. Apple Computer incorporated in Jan '77 and by '78 the first legal suit was filed http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Corps_v_Apple_Computer. This might seem a long time but in legal time, short. Both companies have been in and out of the courts ever since. At this early stage could Apple Records have squashed Apple Computers brand? I think the smart thing Apple Computer did was negotiate, license where everyone made money and not to reveal themselves as a threat until the iPod/iTunes. The real losers are distributors while both Apples still make money. Apple now controls the chain.