Oracle v. Google: Are APIs Copyrightable?
55(11) Communications of the ACM, 2012
3 Pages Posted: 5 Nov 2012
Date Written: November 2012
Abstract
Are application program interfaces (APIs) of computer programs protectable by copyrights in software that embodies them? Oracle v. Google is the most definitive ruling yet that addresses this question. The judge rejected Oracle's claim of copyright and his ruling suggests that APIs are uncopyrightable more generally. Oracle will appeal, but Judge William Alsup of the U.S. District Court of Northern California did a very careful job in analyzing the issues. I predict affirmance.
Keywords: Oracle, Google, API, Copyright
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Samuelson, Pamela, Oracle v. Google: Are APIs Copyrightable? (November 2012). 55(11) Communications of the ACM, 2012, UC Berkeley Public Law Research Paper No. 2171447, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2171447
Feedback
Feedback to SSRN
If you need immediate assistance, call 877-SSRNHelp (877 777 6435) in the United States, or +1 212 448 2500 outside of the United States, 8:30AM to 6:00PM U.S. Eastern, Monday - Friday.