[Python-Dev] Copyright notices in modules (original) (raw)

Michael Foord fuzzyman at voidspace.org.uk
Tue Jan 20 11:02:14 CET 2009

M.-A. Lemburg wrote:

[snip...]

Does the copyright concept even apply to an abstract base class (I thought APIs were not subject to copyright, just like database layouts and language definitions)?

It applies to the written program text. You are probably thinking about other IP rights such as patents or designs.

You need to read Van Lindberg's excellent book on intellectual property rights and open source (which is about American law and European law will be different). Mere collections of facts are not copyrightable as they are not creative (the basis of copyright) and this is presumed to apply to parts of software like header files and interface descriptions

I recommend his book by the way - I'm about half way through so far and it is highly readable

Michael Foord

-- http://www.ironpythoninaction.com/

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