Oracle v Google: Who owns the perk in Java? | The Economist

Concluding paragraphs of a clear and concise case overview

"Google insists that API functions, as separate from code, cannot be subject to copyright. That, Google has warned, would be like claiming ownership of ordinary words in a language. If its call for a mistrial is heeded, it will rehearse those arguments anew. If not, it is likely to appeal against the ruling, possibly all the way to the Supreme Court.
Many tech types are jittery about a verdict fully in favour of Oracle. Equivalent API functions based on distinct source code abound across all aspects of hardware, software and services, on the internet and offline. If the court ultimately sides with Oracle it might reshape the nature of technological development. "

Oracle v Google: Who owns the perk in Java? | The Economist