there are politics involved in all these rulings.
remember, it's an election year for the Americans, and the government needs to please the American people. they aren't happy that their jobs are being outsourced so much
2012 Olympics -- China-made Team USA uniforms ignite anger - ESPN
Obama Hammers Romney on Outsourcing vs. ‘Offshoring’ Explainer - ABC News
then you'll understand the politicians' urgent need to ensure that US products and US companies are taken care of this year.
no doubt, Samsung did copy the design of its competitors' products. but you have to admit, it's ridiculous and frivolous on Apple's part to patent design of little things that are commonplace. and it's ridiculous that Apple, who inspires others to innovate, is cracking down on those who innovate.
now, if you think again... if Apple is truly going after Samsung for its design, why not hammer the rest of those similar phones LG, HTC etc? simple reason, Samsung has the biggest market share and has been eating up Apple's share of the pie.
now, you might find it contradicting that the US Government is protecting one of its biggest firms that actually hides it wealth and profits offshore, which means that money flows out of the country rather than within the country:
How Apple's Phantom Taxes Hide Billions In Profits - Business Insider
this is commonplace within US companies, but the whole idea isn't to hide the misdeeds of Apple and other US firms. the idea is to show the Americans that the US government is doing its best to protect US interests.