Google has used Oracle’s programming code in the Android operating system. Oracle filed a suit of copyright infringement in 2010. It accused Google of plagiarising its Jawa software by copying 11,330 lines of computer code, as well as the way it is organised, to create Android, and make huge profits. It is a decade old case. The US Supreme Court said Google engaged in legitimate fair use while using Jawa programming language in the Android operating system. Google used ‘only what was needed to allow users to put their accrued talents to work in a new and transformative programme.’

The SC ruled that allowing Oracle to enforce a copyright on its code would harm the public by making it a ‘lock limiting future creativity of new programmes. Oracle alone would hold the key.’ The ruling spares Google the massive damages which otherwise it would have paid to Oracle.