Yoko Ono: Don't Count on Beatles on iTunes

Beatles songs aren't going to be sold on iTunes any time soon - maybe not for a "Long Long Long" time - Yoko Ono said.

"Don't hold your breath … for anything," Ono told Reuters Thursday. "There's just an element that we're not very happy about, as people. We are holding out."

It's unclear what objections, "as people," the widow of John Lennon and the other owners of Fab Four's catalog - Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Olivia Harrison, George Harrison's widow - have with going digital. The songs are already featured in "The Beatles: Rock Band" video game.

Apple Inc., Steve Jobs' computer giant that owns the iTunes online store, the world's largest music retailer, has had a grating history with Apple Corps, the Beatles' holding company, over rights to the name. But a trademark rights lawsuit was settled in 2007, with Apple Inc. essentially winning the debate. Since then there have been speculation that the two companies will set aside their differences and strike a deal.

But Ono dispelled those rumors. "Steve Jobs has his own idea and he's a brilliant guy," she said, but there are still disagreements.

McCartney was also vague in 2008 when he said there were "a couple of sticking points."

Ono is promoting "LENNONYC," an upcoming public television documentary on her husband. The film will premiere on Nov. 22 as part of PBS' "American Masters" series. It focuses on the couple's time together in New York from 1971 to 1980. This year will mark Lennon's 70th birthday on Oct. 9 and the 30th anniversary of his murder on Dec. 8.

And Ono and Lennon's last album together, "Double Fantasy," has been remastered, remixed and will be reissued on Oct. 5. "Double Fantasy" is actually available on iTunes, as are Lennon's solo works.

As for if and when the Beatles' song will be offered on iTunes, hey, "Tomorrow Never Knows."