Couldn't you simply stipulate in your ToS that if you reside in that area that you are not allowed to use said service?

Or something along the way that's already done? When I buy software I sometimes see a message like this: "This software costs X (+Y of some tax if you're from Texas).".

I did exactly that in software (web site) that is nearing release- so no results yet.

Your app could require GPS permissions to start, and refuse to run if it's in Texas boundaries.

I don't think Google and Apple could oppose that, as you can argue you're attempting to operate within the bounds of (patent) law.

Hm, if many people do this, it seems like this could put some pressure on the population there?

How do judges get their positions again?

Aren't the judges in question by appointment?

Blocking out the largest territory in the continental United States seems like a ham-handed solution for any app.

Might be a good business decision. Any popular game with in app purchases tends to get a "welcome package" from a popular patent troll, for example. If you are an indie starting out you might as well avoid the legal costs by just cutting out a state that isn't going to net you much gain by itself anyway.

Can you please expand on "getting a welcome package from a patent troll?" What would such a troll have patented -- the concept of in-app purchases? Is the "package" a lawsuit over the use of something which they claim is patented?

There are dozens or hundreds of patents in force on in app purchases. [0] It's impossible to write any non-trivial software without infringing hundreds of US software patents. And as long as there are software patents, it will always be that way.

[0] warning: obnoxious autoplay video http://www.x-plane.com/x-world/lawsuit/

Square miles isn't relevant to an app anyway.

In the plan they were proposing, it would be.

You can creatively degrade the user experience based on geoIP. Probably would go undetected in Cupertino.