I actually hope that this ends quickly and cleanly for all involved. Firstly because it costs us, the taxpayers, money.
Secondly, because Bose and Beats have done more for the current popularity of headphones (and I would argue loudspeakers) than any company in the last 1-2 decades. Beats started the current headphone renaissance. Whether we like it or not, that's a big part of the reason head-fi is as big as it is today. Now, I'm no fan of beats, BUT, I will say that I know dozens of kids who bought a pair of beats, and later strolled over to head-fi or best buys Magnus headphone section, and had their eyes opened. And the same people who then bought their first pair of Audioengines. Then Klipsch. Before you know it, they're looking at full blown loudspeakers and bookshelves, hanging around in high-end shops.
I was introduced to headphones by skull candy (a gift from as relative) then progressed to B&W, and now I'm on Grados and Beyers. Of course, I was into loudspeakers before that, but you can see the progression.
Getting headphone brands mainstream recognition is incredible, and I'm grateful for that. Beats newest headphones aren't half bad IMO. I wouldn't but them, and I still think they're overpriced, but they don't sound godawful like the older ones. Bosedoes not sound particularly good to my ears, but neither does it sound awful. And the ANC Bose has developed is truly above all other options. Again, I wouldn't buy it, and it's overpriced, but look what it's done for the industry. I don't know that we'd have things like the HD800, Audeze headphones, and He-6 without the headphone crazy introducing so many new members to head-fidom. And I seriously doubt we'd have the array of great value, mid-low-fi selections we currently have.
So instead of bashing, and hating, let's hope there are more converts from this publicity, because that helps our side of the industry.
Happy Listening!