Sounds like they could alter an alloy by one inert molecule, call it 107q or whatever, and be out from under. Kinda like pharmaceutical companies altering formulae by one tick right or left, then calling it a new drug.
The only reason why Apple has this “NO CE” clause is so their competitors don’t benefit from all their hard work fo “nothing”...Apple will gladly sign any CIP Patents release as long as its not to give their competitors an advantage, vertu is a great example of being used in CE.