A lot of your examples have already been discussed to death - that even Apple copied the idea from elsewhere.
I do a lot of graphic design work. I would be pissed as hell if my design were stolen. However - I wouldn't think for a second that, for example, the shape of my icon was "mine" unless it was REALLY unique. Rounded corners isn't unique enough.
If I created an icon for an audio recording app and I used an old style microphone - I wouldn't be pissed that others did something similar because the fact is - it's pretty standard.
Now - if you design some cool icon that has never been done before and is truly unique - then sure - be pissed.
But, for example - Apple suing everyone and their grandmother who happens to have an actual APPLE as part of their logo is just ridiculous.
The reason people think Samsung has a right regarding patents and their technologies is because even if it's mandatory to have in a phone these days - it's something of real substance.
Equating a piece of 3G tech (for example) patent vs a rectangle with rounded corners is silly anyway. Two different beasts.
Well said, but I don't think Apple sued because of the shape of their icons? And when you look at the old time microphone, you see that it's not just the fact it's an "old time" microphone, the colors and shading are also almost exact, and even a similar dark background. They could have changed so many things to differentiate themselves, yet they went with the look Apple had done. Overall, after seeing the evidence, there wasn't just one way Samsung copied apple, it was apparent in many differant ways.
And yes, it is probably not right for Apple to sue over logos/names related to an apple, but would this not be similar to Proview suing apple in regards to the name "iPad"? I can see why Apple does the same.
I think Samsung would have a right to sue in regards to 4g technology if apple infringed without first looking to license said technology. But, it looks like Apple got themselves 4g patents of their own, so it will be interesting to see how this pans out.