"Michael Beck" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Derived class is a "derivative work", because it is "based" on, or "extends", > the original class. "Using" would be instantiating an object from it - > stand-alone, or as a part of another class (composition). There would be no > "adaptation" of the existing class. > > According to Copyright law, a derivative work is "a work based upon one or more > preexisting works". It includes any "form on which a work may be recast, > transformed, or adapted." (17 USC Sec. 101). >
I think the issues that were raised in this thread are not totally tested or settled in case law. You might want to check the list archives for related discussion. I recall one thread had the subject "Copyrightable APIs" There are distinct types of works discussed in this thread, which I think that is causing some confusion. Instead of asking whether an "inherited class is a derivative work", it may be more meaningful ask about one or more of the following items specifically. - The base class API (the set of functions and their parameter types.) - The derived class API - The base class implementation source - The base class executable version - The derived class implementation source - The derived class executable version -- license-discuss archive is at http://crynwr.com/cgi-bin/ezmlm-cgi?3