> the philips screw head was patented.

> By all accounts thats an “interface” for a screw to be driven in by a screw driver.

As a functional component, to the extent novel and otherwise eligible for patent, patent protection for APIs makes perfect sense; patents also have an extremely short duration compared to essentially-eternal copyrights.

API copyrightability is, aside from being inconsistent (IMO) with both the letter and intent of the law, an absolutely nightmare in practical terms because it has neither the novelty requirements nor the short term associated with patents.

And it would be ok if oracle patented it, but they claim copyright. Patent doesnt last nearly as long as copyright.

The interface of the Phillips screwdriver had some inherent value (i.e self centering property) so it makes sense to protect it.

With software the interface is a trivial detail that anyone could come up with. One interface is as good as any other. It seems disingenuous if the owner of one interface that suddenly became popular tries to claim copyright after everyone starts using it.