Always second best

It seems like poor Apple hasn't gotten a break since the early 90's:

Although Apple introduced the iPod in November 2001, it did not file a provisional patent application until July 2002, and a full application was filed only in October that year.

In the meantime, Microsoft submitted an application in May 2002 to patent some key elements of music players, including song menu software.

As a result:

In July, the US Patent and Trademark Office rejected Apple's application, saying some ideas were similar to an earlier application filed by a Microsoft employee, John Platt.

Now Apple might have to pay a "license fee" of up to $10 for every machine sold. I guess it never pays to be slow in this business.