Re: Custom GUI API

FROM : Wade Riddick
DATE : Thu Jan 10 18:27:02 2002

>> does anyone know what would be involved in developing custom GUI API
>> for MacOSX (for MacOSX Perl for instance)? Legally, can you develop
>> non-Apple GUI API on MacOS X?

>
>Forgive me for sounding dumb, but what legality could possibly prevent
>you from developing a particular kind of software on your computer?


You'd be surprised.

There's a fairly long history of GUI litigation, dating from the _Apple vs.
Microsoft_ and _Lotus vs. Borland_ days.  Apple and Microsoft and other
large companies are typically covered by cross-licensing regimes.  Small
developers aren't.

Second, even if there is no legal basis, that doesn't prevent you from
getting sued by a large corporation with deep pockets who's only interest
in obstructing the competition.

The only way to answer either of these questions is to consult a lawyer
with knowledge of this area of the industry.