Huh? Yes, they are! A patent is a monopoly [1]. They did not invent this rotten system, but they sure are milking it for all it's worth. Not engaging in predatory pricing? Do you know how much Microsoft and Apple demand of Android manufacturers to let them keep their features?
[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government-granted_monopoly
You are correct that patents are considered a form of monopoly, but that is a different sense of the word than what the OP refers to, that is, holding a monopoly over a particular good or market. Apple doesn't have a monopoly in any of the markets it participates in and there are plenty of substitute goods and competitive corporations within the same markets.
Thanks for correcting me on that. I was mistaken.
> but that is a different sense of the word than what the OP refers to ...
I am aware of that.
> Apple doesn't have a monopoly in any of the markets it participates in ...
The market is broader than just the end-users of phones. Share markets, patents, deals with collaborators (such as network operators, music companies), and bribes (mostly in less developed countries) are just as much a part of the market as end-users.
Please explain how any of this applies to Apple's business. At it stands it sounds like innuendo.
> Apple are doing nothing different from their competitors with regard to patents.
This is absolutely wrong. Some companies are more aggressive than others when it comes to abusing patent, trade dress, and copyright laws. How many trade dress lawsuits have you seen Samsung, LG, HTC, etc. initiate against Apple? In the recent past, a handful of Apple's patents were invalidated because of prior art. How many companies filed lawsuits against Apple when iPhone implemented these features?
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-14/nokia-apple-payment...
Like I said, some companies are more aggressive than others. Odd that you mentioned Samsung.
Apple are doing nothing different from their competitors with regard to patents.