Why should they, or anyone else, sit back and watch a competitor get rich off of their work? That's the crux of the matter, isn't it? The validity of some of the patents is undoubtedly questionable, but then Samsung are suing based on FRAND patents that have already been paid for. That's far worse IMO, yet this is constantly glossed over. Samsung are no mor innocent than Apple are guilty. Hate on a corporation all you want, but vilifying consumers for their choice of phone? That's crossing a line. It's inverted snobbery. It like how Apple fans used to behave...
I don't believe I have done; however, the fact you feel I have is significant. Many Apple customers feel affronted by criticism of Apple, which is testament to the strength of their marketing.
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I agree that the validity of some of the patents is questionable. However I do not feel the issue simply involves Apple fearing that competitors will get rich from their hard work. I believe the situation is more complex.
Apple lost the fight against Microsoft in the 1980s / 90s largely because MS produced a product (MS Windows) that was sold as a compliment to commodity hardware (the IBM compatible PC). Apple wasn't able to gain as much exponential growth in market-share as the IBM-compatible/MS combo.
Cut to today - Apple risks losing the fight against Google, largely because Google have produced a product (Android) that's sold (in kind) as a compliment to commodity hardware (made by a host of hardware manufacturers).
Often when one sees criticism of $COMPANY, it usually follows with derogatory comment and vilification of $COMPANY's users. I made an assumption and it made an ass of me and for that I apologies.
