In 2011, a significant turning point occurred in the tech industry where Apple and Google allocated more resources to legal disputes and patent-related payments than to the innovation of new products. This shift highlighted the growing importance of intellectual property in the competitive landscape of technology. Instead of focusing primarily on advancing technology and creating groundbreaking products, companies were increasingly entangled in legal battles over patents.

This trend raised concerns about the impact of patent wars on innovation. Authors such as Walter Isaacson, in his book "The Innovators," emphasize the need for collaboration and creativity in technology development. The diversion of funds from research and development to litigation could stifle creativity and slow down progress, as companies became more focused on defending their existing inventions rather than pioneering new ones.