I agree with that, however this IP wouldn't be going to someone "just breaking in to the business". There are well established companies who are currently performing the exact same operations that would line up for this stuff if necessary.
Especially considering the fruit company who would love for them to use it to their benefit.
GT wasn't initially in the mass production of Sapphire, but plenty of others were already doing it. I'm sure they would love to get their hands on cutting edge technology that can be used in conjunction with IP that was created specifically by Apple to use specifically with GT.