I think the issue here isn't the content of the images, but the fact that the positions align, zooming in on the sphere. FTA: " Instead, the patent covers the

I think the issue here isn't the content of the images, but the fact that the positions align, zooming in on the sphere. FTA: " Instead, the patent covers the basic technology that, for example, allows Google Earth users to fly over the earth to a particular destination" So if Google's system uses the same techniques/algorithms to move around the sphere (and these images are pretty convincing) it would indicate some copying of IP. Where to position a view of the Earth in 3D is pretty open ended, that's why the similarities may be less than coincidental.