By 2000, Apple Inc. was an established name in computers and software.  The company’s “digital hub” branch began to focus software for the emerging personal digital device market.  While trying to create software for existing digital music players, Apple was severely unimpressed with the design and functionality of the devices available.  The realization led Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, to order the creation of Apple’s own digital music devices.  A 5 GB Apple music device was announced in 2001, the device would later adopt the now iconic “iPod” name.

On this day, March 7th, in 2006, Apple Inc. was granted the patent to the iPod.  Apple’s journey to gaining an iPod patent was far more difficult than the company may have hoped. Prior to gaining the patent, disputes led to the iPod patent being rejected as late as August of 2005.  Throughout 2005, Apple was tangled in several  infringement lawsuits related to the iPod line.  Among the accusers were Advanced Audio Devices and Creative Technology.  A broad settlement was made with Creative Technology for $100 million.

The iPod quickly became the most dominant digital music device in the world. It has grown from simply a music device, to a multi-media device that includes games, video and messaging features.