So Apple applies for and receives a patent for something that has been done for years by several parties, that art is something fundamental towards graphic interfaces, and then Apple turns around and uses that patent to try and force competitors off the playing field.
Similar problems exist with genetic technology patents. The patent examiners often just don't understand what is novel and what is prior art and grant patents that are just too sweeping - the patent ends up ecompassing what is novel AND the prior art used to create what is novel in the application.
A internal combustion engine from 1950 is after all still an internal combustion engine from 2011 minus all the bells and whistles
I think apple needs to figure out smart phones are as common or even more so than cars and unless they come up with something completely new and radical....these lawsuits seem more like corporate fishing expedition looking for legal precedent to protect their profits