iOS developer, David Barnard, on “look and feel” copyright infringement:
If “look and feel” were to be broadly interpreted by the courts, it would stifle software development in ways similar to the current software patent mess. But I’d argue that a strict interpretation, very carefully applied, is good for the software industry in that it discourages blatant rippoffs and encourages developers to do their own damn work.
I agree with David. There is a big distinction between modeling your algorithm after someone else’s and blatantly ripping off the entire package.