> If Apple loses, patent licensing practices will continue to throw sand in the wheels of commerce -- and cost consumers money. This metaphor is a bit weird. I

> If Apple loses, patent licensing practices will continue to throw sand in the wheels of commerce -- and cost consumers money. This metaphor is a bit weird. I know that throwing sand to the wheels of a train is helpful (generates traction). Prettymuch all freight trains throw sand in the wheels deliberately. Maybe they got it the wrong way around.