Issue No. 044 · August 21, 2026
TrademarkUpdateMusic
The Beatles Expand Global Merchandise and Licensing Partnership
Apple Corps and Universal Music Group entered an exclusive long-term global partnership covering physical and digital merchandise, licensing, and e-commerce for The Beatles.
Key points
- Universal Music Group will handle worldwide merchandise, licensing, and e-commerce on behalf of the band.
- The agreement expands an existing relationship under which Universal Music Group stewards The Beatles' recorded catalog.
- The partnership arrives ahead of a planned Beatles fan experience in 2027 and four authorized biographical films scheduled for 2028.
- Financial terms were not disclosed.
Why it matters
The deal shows how a legacy entertainment brand can coordinate catalog rights, merchandise, digital products, and authorized screen projects under a broader licensing strategy.