Ask HN: Can we get some clarity on the whole 'pinch to zoom' patent debate?
I can't help but feel we're all going round in circles. I'd like to ask for some clarification from people that have either got some background knowledge or have carefully investigated these matters.<p>1. What do the Apple gestures patents actually protect?<p>2. What would a mobile device with 'pinch to zoom' need to do to infringe it?<p>3. What is the minimum plausible workaround that preserves the essential features?<p>2. Why aren't the precursors that appear so obviously to many to be prior art effective in court?<p>There's obviously some overlap between questions 1,2 and 3 and I'm aware that there are actually several patents that might relate to this but I think I've captured what needs to be explained to stop us all talking past each other on this matter.<p>And hopefully we can move the discussion forwards.