> It's a great example because this is a case where the majority is obviously th... | Hacker News

Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit

login

kemitchell on April 5, 2021 | parent | context | favorite | on: Google’s copying of the Java SE API was fair use [...

> It's a great example because this is a case where the majority is obviously the "right" decision to any true code hacker.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_true_Scotsman

Have you spoken to any professional language or API designers about this case? Would all "true code hackers" agree that copyright shouldn't apply to software at all?

sgift on April 6, 2021 [–]

Obviously, I cannot say anything about "all" API designers, but I've read the opinions of a good few of them, including some who wrote the APIs in question here (i.e. the Java SE APIs), and they were unanimous that making APIs copyrightable would be a horrible idea.

Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4
Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact