Copyright interface?

[Namoreh]

Hi, is it possible to copyright an interface? I mean all text editors have the same interface, all video editors essentially the same interface, etc etc etc.
The reason I ask, is because a couple days ago I released a Beta of a program I'm working on that lets you pick an effect and click and drag it over your movie clip to position, scale, rotate etc.
Today I recieved an email from a company saying I was in breach of international copyright laws regarding the interface and concept of my program, and if I did not remove all mention of it from the internet they would bring legal action. Their program is indeed a program where you select an effect and click and drag it over a movie clip (although mine is for OS X, their's is not). The question is, is this true, can one copyright the interface and concept of a program?

Thanks,

[skyhawk]

Hi, is it possible to copyright an interface?
no, but you could patent it

[DoG]

IANAL, but AFAIK, you can't copyright an interface. The code can be copyrighted that produces the interface, or the interface may have a patent (only in America, my friend), like Apple patented parts of the iTunes interface, AFAIK.

So, unless you use a patented algorithm or procedure, you are ok. Besides, I believe most video editors work just the same way, be it FCP, Adobe Premiere, or whatever. Don't let yourself be crushed by the FUD.

Did they cite any laws or anything? If there is no exact mention of what law you are supposed to break, its most likely total bullshit.

[Bachus]

It's bullshit.

You can only patent interfaces, and as easy as it is to do in some cases, it rarely holds up in court. Even if they a patent (which they probably don't), it would be easy to defeat on the grounds of prior use. Such interfaces are *very* common. They're just trying to bully a smaller "competitor" around. You don't see 'em suing Apple do you?

[codemattic]

name names man! Scan the letter they sent and post it on your site.

[Steven]

Send them a query back asking for more information - like specifically what parts. Something smells here...

[FCCovett]

Be careful with your replies though. Some lawyers are quite trick and they try to make you say something that they can use against you later. Best thing is to ignore it or consult with an attorney.