Copyright on Computer Programs: Solicitor General Argues that APIs are Unquestionably Copyright Eligible

In recent years, much attention has focused on whether the output of computer software engineers is properly the subject of patent rights. Now, however, an important case is pending before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding whether computer programs are protectable under copyright.  Here, the particular issues involve copyright protection over program interface (API) function calls that allow programs to communicate with one another.