> If someone makes a from-scratch implementation of Swift, or any other language with similar features, can Apple then sue them over these patents?
Yes, Apple can sue you for making use of their patents w/o a formal license in place!
> Or does AL prevent this?
No! The Apache License protects users who use code from the project in question, but does not allow you to use those patents for other purposes.
To give a parallel example:
I license a photograph of two kids in overalls to put it on a poster and sell it.
That does not give me permission to use that image on playing cards, porcelain dolls, or other avenues.
https://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/the-story-behind-the-fa...
> If someone makes a from-scratch implementation of Swift, or any other language with similar features, can Apple then sue them over these patents?
Yes, Apple can sue you for making use of their patents w/o a formal license in place!
> Or does AL prevent this?
No! The Apache License protects users who use code from the project in question, but does not allow you to use those patents for other purposes.
To give a parallel example:
I license a photograph of two kids in overalls to put it on a poster and sell it.
That does not give me permission to use that image on playing cards, porcelain dolls, or other avenues.
https://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/the-story-behind-the-fa...