The tablet or its size isn't patented, Samsung can do that without issue. It is the method in which the tablet operates, some touch features, OS features and specific look that has relevant patents / trademarks enforced. Samsung has blatantly copied and breached Apples patents. Google warned them that they were breaching Apples patents through changes they made to make the OS prettier to consumers, like an iOS presents, and they ignored them.
Whats worse for Samsung at present, and is looming, is that Apple have asked the judge to triple the damages because the jury found Samsung wilfully violated Apples patents, thus they're no doubt going for lost licensing fees for what they offered Samsung prior for the use of their patents.
Now have a precedent. Apple will target anyone using Google OS through patented Apple features, and go after them. The side effect is that Apple may actually inadvertently get what they want by knocking Google OS out of the market because some features of it require technology that Apple owns the patents for. So either Google change their OS to be less functional, or manufacturers come up with something new that doesn't infringe others, or everyone pays Apple royalties IF Apple even makes such allowances available to others now. Other phone manufacturers are laughing it seems, as they waited for all this to be done before jumping onto Google OS. Google are free to make their OS... but getting it to the user via patented Apple technology is now going to be an issue for all.
I believe Google is included in the lawsuit... though how far Apple chases them for their OS is unknown. Android developers may also get called into a suit by Apple if found to breach Apple patents by making their apps use specific patented Apple features.
Consumers will lose, no doubt about it. Manufacturers will need to invest like Apple has done to find their own technologies and innovation... Microsoft is currently laughing at Google and Samsung, rubbing their hands together.
The biggest aspect is Apple has a precedent. That means it's going chasing worldwide for anyone breaching these patents, and developers of Android products could get lined up in their target. No doubt this will put many developers on the back foot and consumers will lose because developers will flock away, scared of Apple taking them to court.
I suspect you will also see more Samsung products dropping out of other countries as Apple takes the patent claims up with them uniquely, where Samsung products are being sold that breach their patents.
Consumers will lose short term, though hopefully gain long term, by forcing Samsung and others into a more innovative role versus copying what others innovate. Fingers crossed.
