Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems like no companies actually checks to see if they are violating a patent before releasing a product. It seems they are just hoping nobody sues- and if they do they go on a buying spree. So patents have become tools for big companies to bash other companies. If you are a small guy trying to get patent protection for your idea, forget it. Big companies have better lawyers and patent law is so unspecific and specialized the better lawyers always win.