I strongly disagree with the statement that there is no lengthy R&D involved with gesture processing. If it was so trivial, why did Apple have to acquire a company working in that field? Getting UX right is fucking hard and takes a lot of effort -- just look at the touchscreens of an average camera... If it was so easy, why do most companies get it so wrong?
Of course, that doesn't mean that Apple should be able to patent it. Good UX is composed of many small things, each too small too patent.
> If it was so trivial, why did Apple have to acquire a company working in that field?
Why do big companies get outfoxed regularly by 10 man startups? The reality is that most large corporate entities are inefficient and acquisitions aren't usually for talent, but for other purposes: buying before a competitor does, buying the patents and firing the talent, burning through a cash reserve that, if left alone, will be given up as dividends,etc.
Of course, that doesn't mean that Apple should be able to patent it. Good UX is composed of many small things, each too small too patent.