The patent in question describes “a mobile entertainment and communication device in a palm-held size, housing has a cellular or satellite telephone capable of wireless communication with the Internet and one or more replaceable memory card sockets for… recording data directly from the Internet and, in particular, musical performances that then can be selectively reproduced by the device for the enjoyment of the user.”
The two companies settled out of court, according to Law360, and Judge Charles Everingham dismissed the case after receiving notification of the settlement. The case had been filed in U.S. District court for the Eastern District of Texas — a court favored by patent holding companies for its historically sympathetic rulings.
Minerva has also settled lawsuits with the likes of RIM, HP, Verizon, Motorola, Nokia, Qwest, and more. The company initially filed its lawsuit against Apple only hours after it was granted the patent.
Apple and Minerva Industries agreed to pay their own legal fees and to dismiss all claims and counter claims as part of the settlement.
[Thanks to TechCrunch for the heads up]