Here's the thing about Apple. They don't necessarily always invent or create things. Sometimes they find something that already exists, re-invent it, put that lovely piece of fruit on it, make it really pretty and cool for everyone to use and then they basically say it's theirs.

The current patent issue? Apple says that South Korean mobile competitor Samsung copied iPhone and iPad design elements when designing their popular brand of Galaxy phones and tablets.

How much is Apple looking to get out of this lawsuit? Place pinky in corner of mouth ... 2.5 billion dollars.

Say what?

Yeah that's how much Apple believes it is owed for another company making a phone that looks like theirs. Oh and they also want to stop Samsung from continuing to use this "similar design."

Here's the scoop ...

Apple’s lawyers say Samsung intentionally tried to copy its design for the iPhone and iPad. Allegedly, as the suit claims, Samsung appeared to be on a path toward different device designs but, ultimately Samsung's existing line of mobile devices don't just look like the iPhone and iPad -- they somehow are also using Apple’s patented software features for their user interface.

Lofty claim?

According to Samsung's people, yes with a capital "What The?"They say these claims are absurd because Apple is claiming rights to designs that are way too broad and would make it too difficult for anyone to compete in the smartphone and tablet market. More importantly Samsung can prove its smartphone design plans predate the iPhone which just celebrated its five year anniversary this year.

What this sounds like from a non legal perspective is Apple trying to stop its competition and monopolize the market. A market that has slowed in sales of it's popular brand and has also seen a plethora of more affordable and popular alternatives peppering the market trying to get a piece of the pie.

Well apple get to keep it's pie and eat it too? Hard to say but so far their win record hasn't been all that great. One thing is for certain. Samsung and Apple will be bringing a briefcase full of ammunition come court time.