Well before Apple adapted it, it was used only by a very tiny fraction of the worlds population. Apple made it a mass market success. Therefore I think it is fair to say that Apple actually invented the design. The Swiss tried but failed to make it popular. Apple did it right.
And I would love to see anyone defend that position in court. "Your honor, it was patented but was it a 'real patent?', I mean look at the offices of the company that owns it. It's a small company, not very famous and their coffee tastes bland"..
