And this is why Google had to copy the interface -- otherwise their runtime would not operate with other existing products. As you can see given your example, the analogy is a perfect fit.
Your argument that the copying is once-removed is unfortunately irrelevant to copyright law.
What does "1 inch narrower" mean to you, in the context of this analogy? Are you suggesting the interfaces have different names? Different sized arguments?
None of those things would work.
Besides, creating minor differences do not solve this problem as they would still be derivative works.
> What does "1 inch narrower" mean to you, in the context of this analogy? Are you suggesting the interfaces have different names? Different sized arguments?
Your question is exactly my point. I'm suggesting what I said earlier:
Your argument that the copying is once-removed is unfortunately irrelevant to copyright law.