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"We are taking this action against Apple to protect [...] our customers"

Well, yeah. Their customers Google, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon want to be able to offer smartphones. With HTC out of the equation, that becomes more difficult. With less options, the price is driven up, making smartphones less accessible to those that might benefit from them.

Without someone to keep Apple in check, the 1984 dystopia would already be upon us.

My response was directed at a comment that claimed they said, "we are suing Apple because they sued us". In fact, they said "we're suing Apple to help our customers (etc.)!" which is much different.

Your argument is less direct, and it doesn't interest me so much. Yes, by fighting for their self-preservation (if it is at stake) they help consumers by maintaining competition and/or variety.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com