Key Software Case: Google v. Oracle

Key case that will shape the future of software development. (CC0 Creative Commons license)

Google & Oracle’s case before the U.S. Supreme Court will materially affect the future of software development as the justices are tasked with exploring the outer limits of “fair use” under copyright law. Every app developer, 5G network infrastructure maker or IoT monetization firm needs to sit up and pay attention to the implications of this case.

Google believes that "developers and businesses from across the tech industry have supported open software interfaces and opposed attempts to monopolize the creation of new applications". spokesman Jose Castaneda said in an email. Oracle argues that “[d]iminishing [cppyright] protection on the false premise of some settled expectation that everyone is free to copy the innovation of others will only encourage piracy, here and abroad”.

Case documents here.

Oral arguments before the Supreme Court is set for March 24. Stay tuned!