namespace protection compatible with the OSD?

[Rod Dixon, J.D., LL.M.]

I am sorry about joining the discussion late. This sounds interesting.
Brian, do you mind clarifying your question without rehashing what has been
discussed? I do not want to bore those who have followed the thread, but
what do you mean by "implement" and what is the concern you are raising?

Rod

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brian Behlendorf [mailto:brian at collab.net]
> Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2001 5:34 PM
> To: John Cowan
> Cc: license-discuss at opensource.org
> Subject: Re: namespace protection compatible with the OSD?
>
>
>
> OK, so we have two new analogies to implementing an API, that of "baking a
> cake from a recipe" and "that of building a house from blueprints".  I
> still think the line between that and "write a novel based on a
> Shakespeare play" is not defined.  What is the relevant case history,
> especially in the field of software?  If we can find a precedent for or
> against, we have an answer w/r/t the likely way a judge would rule.  And,
> if it's true that a copyright on an API can't restrict the rights to
> implement it, then my life becomes a lot easier.  =)
>
> 	Brian
>
>