Apple-Samsung Courtroom Battle Puts Consumers At Risk

How do people benefit from fewer choices again?

As you've likely heard, Apple and Samsung continue to duke it out in what commentators have called the "patent trial of the century." The case involves more than three dozen devices (such as iPhones,

iPads, and Galaxy phones and tablets) and various patents, allegedly covering Apple's designs, "double-click-to-zoom," 3G technology, and various other functionalities. But what's really at stake?

Apple argues that it's been harmed to the tune of $2.5 billion (!) and seeks to have Samsung's products banned from the market. Samsung claims that Apple owes it at least $400 million in back royalties.

Right now, the companies' fates lie in the hands of the jury, but it's not Apple or Google who stands to suffer the most harm: it's the consumer.