Apple is about to launch a new product that (if successful) will undoubtedly spawn dozens of imitators. They want to prevent the competition from this product f

Apple is about to launch a new product that (if successful) will undoubtedly spawn dozens of imitators. They want to prevent the competition from this product from getting a free ride on their technologies (let's assume that each is a credible invention and valid patent), as they undoubtedly have to some degree with the iPhone. they could just stay ahead of the competition with innovation The usefulness of this strategy is diminished when the competition can simply copy what you've done. Bouncy scrolling lists (etc.) may seem trivial, but if they didn't represent added value why would they be copied? And if they do represent added value, why shouldn't that be protected?