Ask HN: Is “no source code was copied” still a sufficient copyright defense?

An Ask HN thread asks whether “no source code was copied” remains a valid copyright defense. The discussion seeks community insight on the legal sufficiency of that claim. Participants reference recent developments in software copyright law. Commenters debate how courts assess code similarity. The thread highlights concerns about reuse of open‑source components. Opinions on the balance between collaboration and protection are shared. Developers consider the practical impact of the defense on their work. The conversation serves as a forum for evaluating current copyright standards.