In his TED talk, Kirby Ferguson discusses the contradiction between current copyright/patent law and the reality of how all creative projects/outcomes are based on previous, existing work. While many companies such as apple, have patents on certain technological features (for example swipe to open, multi-touch features), these concepts were certainly not invented by these companies, so to claim complete creative control on these things seems wrong.
“Good artists copy, great artists steal.” While the concept of copying or stealing other artists work is on some level dishonorable and unfair, it can not be denied that this approach helps drive the advancement of creativity and useful products. The question in my mind, is what is the best way to regulate this is a way that creativity and progress are not inhibited, but at the same time people and/or companies are being fairly recognized for their own work. This is a difficult question, and is the main cause for the contradiction between copyright rules and creative advancement.