Re: Software application copyright opinion

"Lee Hollaar" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote
> And this isn't one of those Roger Schlafly things where you don't
> have to worry because nobody gets sued.  The cases, and threats
> of litigation, are real and the careless programmer who thinks
> that just because he didn't do a cut-and-paste he's home free
> often loses.

That wasn't the OP's reasoning. The OP carefully considered the
issue, and drafted a plan of action that involves copying
non-protectable elements, and bending over backwards to avoid
being accused of copyright infringement. If he follows his plan
and documents it, he is home free.

> It's not just a problem for programmers.  Think about a salesman
> who goes to work for a competitor and uses his insider knowledge
> about his former employer and starts calling on his old customers.

It happens every day here in Silicon Valley. Programmers, salesmen,
and others often specialize in narrow markets, and they have a right
to change jobs and continue to earn a living in their chosen professions.
Yes, there are sometimes lawsuit threats, but it never amounts to
anything unless there is evidence of misbehavior that goes way
beyond anything that has been discussed in this thread.