[wyldfire]

> From a purely technical point of view, APIs being free to reuse is an awesome thing that makes for a more vibrant and competitive software ecosystem

This is not merely a technical benefit, it's a practical one and represents the status quo. The fact that there's no precedent isn't because it's new, it's because no one ever thought it was infringing before.

[Spivak]

Nobody might believe that such a thing is infringing but there are plenty of people who are mad that a competitor just copies and pastes their API. Smartcar was such a case that made it to HN.

I really do think the determination for this case ought to be if you copy an API to facilitate interaction with existing software then you should be in the clear. If you do the same because it’s easier than coming up with your own then I think it should be infringement.