Hopefully DM's effort will never need to see a jury....and I am sure the defendants understand the risks of proceeding to trial versus settling on what appears to be a legitimate patent infringement.

What would Apple investors think of their darling ipod having a basic infringement and what would a big anti-Apple verdict mean to the price of their shares?

Settlement is part of the cost of doing business when you've stepped on someones toes on your way up the ladder to success.

I can't wait for this to get started.  3 weeks and counting...