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In EU interoperability is a valid reason to break copyright in this manner. It would matter here too though as we do also want to sell software to US. But if
by sharpneli 7y ago
In EU interoperability is a valid reason to break copyright in this manner.
It would matter here too though as we do also want to sell software to US.
But if one stays out of US markets then things are as they have always been.
- wbillingsley 7y agoThe EU has similar cases occur. For example between Lego and Best-Lock over what features of lego are copyrightable versus which are functional (and their competitors' minifigures are also designed to "interoperate" with lego bricks) https://thetmca.com/equitable-estoppel-defense-denies-lego-full-victory-in-copyright-case/ https://thetmca.com/equitable-estoppel-defense-denies-lego-f...
- sharpneli 7y agoYeah. As can be seen in that case they are focusing on things that are mandatory (non copyrightable) and those that are just stylistic choices (copyrightable). API compatibility doesn’t have any stylistic choices in it.
- hyperman1 7y agoCould you de-copyright things in this manner? Say I make locks that only open when they hear music from Disney's lion king. Are you allowed to play that song to open the lock, even without opening it? Does it matter if it was disney or me that made the lock? Silly example of course, can't think of any better. Feel free to substitute your own.