competes with Microsoft, including the Windows platform. Accordingly, Microsoft's interest in producing application software for the Mac OS, including Mac OS X, not covered by the relationship or following expiration of the agreements may be influenced by Microsoft's perception of its interests as the vendor of the Windows operating system. In addition, the Microsoft relationship may have an adverse effect on, among other things, the Company's relationship with other partners. There can be no assurance that the benefits to the Company of the Microsoft relationship will not be offset by the disadvantages.

The Company's business relies on access to patents and intellectual property obtained from third parties.  Many of the Company's products are designed to include intellectual property obtained from third parties. While it may be necessary in the future to seek or renew licenses relating to various aspects of its products and business methods, the Company believes that based upon past experience and industry practice, such licenses generally could be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. Because of technological changes in the computer industry, current extensive patent coverage, and the rapid rate of issuance of new patents, it is possible certain components of the Company's products and business methods may unknowingly infringe existing patents of others. The Company has from time to time been notified that it may be infringing certain patents or other intellectual property rights of others. Information regarding litigation involving the Company related to alleged patent infringement is set forth in Part I, Item 3 of this Form 10-K, The Company believes that any necessary patent or other rights could be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. However, there can be no assurance that the necessary licenses would be available on acceptable terms, if at all, or that the Company will prevail in the litigation referred to above. The failure to obtain necessary licenses or other rights or the failure to satisfactorily resolve the litigation referred to above could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

The Company expects its quarterly revenues and operating results to fluctuate for a variety of reasons.  The Company's profit margins vary among its products, its geographic markets, and its distribution channels. As a result, the overall profitability of the Company in any given period will depend, in part, on the product, geographic, and channel mix reflected in that period's net sales.

The typical concentration of net sales in the third month of the Company's fiscal quarters can adversely affect the Company's business and operating results.  Apple generally sells more products during the third month of each quarter than it does during either of the first two months, a pattern typical in the personal computer industry. This sales pattern can produce pressure on the Company's internal infrastructure during the third month of a quarter and may adversely impact the Company's ability to predict its financial results accurately. Developments late in a quarter, such as lower-than-anticipated demand for