[tsotha]

>The investments that go into many breakthrough products (iphone, ipad) are made with the understanding that IP protections are in place to prevent copycats from waltzing in and taking all the benefits later on.

But what was the breakthrough? The iPhone and iPad are successful because of design, attention to detail, and Apple's marketing muscle. There isn't anything technically earth shattering about either product - they're just minor improvements on other companies' products brought to a high polish.

[yock]

The iPhone and iPad are successful because of design, attention to detail, and Apple's marketing muscle.

True; however, I would argue that the marketing portion of their success comes as a result of painting each new product as a picture of revolutionary innovation. It's part of the image. Take that rouse away and you might be left with a less successful product.

Simply put, Apple relies on the lie.

[tsotha]

Well, ok, sure. But I don't see any reason the maintenance of that lie should be helped along by the patent office.