#Oracle accused #Google of copying 11,500 lines of Android computer code and complex structure, and that the unauthorized copying harmed Oracle’s Java platform.
Oracle is seeking $9 billion in damages. Google argues that the access they gained to Oracle’s functional software interfaces was crucial for innovation, that without those interfaces contact lists cannot be accessed and therefore emails cannot be sent. By contrast, Oracle’s position is that strong copyright protection favors innovation and they should not be required to let competitors copy their code. There is the argument of non-protectable functionality versus protectable creative products. The #lawsuit has been going on for a decade after repeated appeals and overturns between federal district and appeal courts. A decision from the US Supreme Court is expected in the summer and it will impact the way software is produced and how innovation takes place.