namespace protection compatible with the OSD?

[John Cowan]

Rod Dixon, J.D., LL.M. scripsit:

> "Java Platform Interface. In the event that Licensee creates an
> additional API(s) which: (i) extends the functionality of a
> Java Environment; and, (ii) is exposed to third party software
> developers for the purpose of developing additional software which
> invokes such additional API, Licensee must promptly publish broadly an
> accurate specification for such API for free use by all developers."
> 
> One wonders whether that provision is consistent with the First Amendment.

Whyever not?  A private party can compel speech from you if you agree
to be so bound, surely.  After all, it can compel silence easily enough,
as in NDAs.

> Even so, it is clear that it is consistent with Sun's view on the
> copyrightability of Java APIs. The link to the entire license, which
> includes provisions concerning the development kit and a rather odd
> provision regarding the Windows platform:

That provision arises because Sun is bound by Microsoft not to use
the Windows look-and-feel off the Windows platform.  If Sun cannot,
you cannot either using Sun's tools.

Or so Sun interprets the restrictions on it, anyway.

-- 
John Cowan                                   cowan at ccil.org
One art/there is/no less/no more/All things/to do/with sparks/galore
	--Douglas Hofstadter