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I think one is being incredibly naive if one thinks that this is a case of Apple "misbehaving." This type of monopolistic, rent-seeking behavior is exactly how corporations are compelled to act given the dynamics of capitalism. If they did not act in this way, they would be limiting their own growth. The fundamental directive for any corporation is to maximize profit. Patents are an excellent means of doing this for various reasons: they allow one to seek license payments without actually having to engage in productive activities (rent), they can be used to marginalize competition and maintain one's market share, and, once the system of patents is in place, they can be used to immunize oneself against infringement by means of 'Mutually Assured Destruction.' Yes, there are lawsuits, but often these are settled out of court and involve an exchange of licenses. If you find this pattern of behavior disgusting, the problem is with capitalism, not with the actions of individual companies.
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