But even an innovative cell phone is covered by thousands of existing patents, many of them unknown until someone sues. That's the problem. There is no such thi

But even an innovative cell phone is covered by thousands of existing patents, many of them unknown until someone sues. That's the problem. There is no such thing as "pure" innovation. All new technology somehow involves older technology, and in many cases it isn't clear which existing patents cover a particular device or product so the only thing to do is wait to be sued or not release your new (an innovative) product at all.