The details of the dispute of more than a decade: In the case, which dates back to 2010, Google had been accused of stealing bits of API code developed by Sun Microsystems, which was later acquired by Oracle.
Google argued that this type of code is often used freely by developers to increase interoperability between different products, and that even if such code is copyrighted – as Oracle argued – it must be covered by the provisions of the “fair use” law , which allow unlicensed use of otherwise copyrighted material in some circumstances.
Oracle argued that the code is protected by copyright, that it should have been paid for using Google, and that while some standard codes are exempt from protection, the Java code was anything but standard.
The Supreme Court sided with Google, saying: “Google’s copy of the Java SE API, which included only the lines of code that were needed to allow programmers to put their accumulated talents to work on a new and transformative program, was a fair use of that material as a matter of law. “
What is below: Google and Oracle are fierce political opponents, with each side arguing that the other acts unfairly not only in business, but in the technology policy debates that have dominated Washington in recent years. They range from antitrust to privacy and how much latitude online platforms must have to police users’ posts on their websites.
What is the next: Google’s victory in the case could give it – and its allies – political impetus as it fights the biggest political battles in the months and years to come.