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Canon of Important Software IP Cases?

Posted by Cliff on from the law-and-computers dept.

A not-so anonymous Anonymous Coward asks: "I'm interested in knowing some of the most significant cases that have influenced the field of software intellectual property law. As someone who is interested in pursuing patent law as a career, I'm interested in reading some of the 'big' cases to get a better idea of what issues and situations motivate and drive patent lawyers."

4 of 23 comments (clear)

  1. I don't know about specific cases by Tirel · · Score: 3, Informative

    But you should definately check with the American Intellectual Property Law Association, they're your best bet for solid IP info (which slashdot isn't.)

  2. Apple vs. Microsoft by Johnny+Mnemonic · · Score: 3, Informative


    One of the earliest litigations of software IP, I think; or at least one that had the largest impact. A synopsis. Even more briefly: "look-and-feel" isn't a legal term. Furthermore, you can no more protect an interface for a software application than you can "protect the operating interface to a motor vehicle."

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    1. Re:Apple vs. Microsoft by Shenkerian · · Score: 4, Informative
      Although you're correct about look-and-feel, Apple v. Microsoft was a purely contractual case. The issue at hand was whether Microsoft's license of Apple IP for Windows 1.0 carried over into Windows 2.0 without a new contract.

      The precedent for "look-and-feel" is the landmark case Lotus v. Borland, where UI menu trees were found unprotected by copyright law.

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      You tell me how "whilst" differs from "while," and I'll stop calling you a pretentious jackass.
  3. Case and guide by Clorox+Bleach · · Score: 0, Informative

    This article seems to be at least somewhat interesting, but here is a guide to software IP. HTH