A new addition of the video game Rock Band will feature the music of the Beatles. This is interesting in several ways. First of all, that the Beatles could get everyone to agree to the legal issues is amazing. Did Yoko Ono, Apple Records, Sony and Michael Jackson all have to agree? At least I think Michael Jackon is still one of the owners of the Beatles publishing rights.
Speaking of Apple Records, the have been in litigation with Apple computers for quite some time. Their agreement calls for Apple computers to stay out of the music business. But, does a Beatles computer game violate trademark law in the other direction?
In any event, it’s an amazing feat that looks like it will benefit kids in the long run. Paul McCartney was asked –
QUESTION:Can you tell me about this special Beatles edition of the Rock Band game that’s coming out this fall?
ANSWER: It will feature different periods of the band — you get early days, Liverpool, then psychedelic, and on from there. It’s very cool. And I like the idea that the game introduces kids to music, you know?