http://www.wired.com/gadgets/miscell...itouch_patents

Is pinching proprietary? We may find out in the coming months as many
companies, inspired by the success of Apple's iPhone, release their
own multitouch-enabled laptops, smartphones and tablets. In doing so,
these companies -- including RIM, Nokia and Synaptics -- may run afoul
of multitouch patent applications recently filed by Apple.

"If Apple's patents are granted, the company could absolutely stop
others from using similar technology," says Raj Abhyanker, a patent
lawyer who used to write patent applications for Apple. "They'd also
be in an especially good position to stop others from including
certain features. Apple could stop [their use] not only on mobile
devices but also desktops."


Long article at the link , bottom line - no copying of the iPhone
interface which will be an Apple exclusive for mobile devices! No
Apple products for Verizon or Sprint using this new easy to use user
interface.