I don't know who invented the touch screen, but it certainly has been around for a while. Back in 1991 I was using a Sony MagicLink device which was touchscreen, and after that a Newton, and after that a Palm. ( and of course there were the Microsoft CE devices )( 2 of those interfaces were designed by either Apple, or an Apple spin off ( General Magic ). ) This is just the latest and greatest iteration of the touch screen, though as stated by nuffsaid, the Multitouch is an Apple innovation through and through..
Should Other Companies Pay Apple?