The copied lines of code came from Java APIs, or application programming interfaces, that enable apps, websites and services using the Java software platform to interoperate. Unless you write software for a living, you probably don’t feel like you have a stake in copyright protection for APIs (or computer programs in general). Granted, the Los Angeles metropolitan area is filled with people who shudder at the thought of any ruling that seems to weaken copyright protection. But by copying the Java APIs, Google could count on a huge army of Java-fluent developers being able to write apps for Android from the get-go. The Java APIs gave Google a head start; Android went on to become the world’s most popular mobile phone operating system by far.

Source: The Star April 07, 2021 11:26 UTC