Is It Possible To Copyright/Patent Computer Gestures and Commands?

[Rec]

I'm uncertain as to the difference between copyrights and patents, but I'm wondering... is it possible to copyright gestures used on a computer, things like ctrl + alt + del or right clicking your mouse and moving the cursor downwards to open a new tab (a la Opera Browser)?

[Skyraz]

I'm uncertain as to the difference between copyrights and patents, but I'm wondering... is it possible to copyright gestures used on a computer, things like ctrl + alt + del or right clicking your mouse and moving the cursor downwards to open a new tab (a la Opera Browser)?

I know you would not be able to patent it.
As for copyright, i dont think so either.

[glo]

Seeing as how the capability to use mouse gestures already exists, and how software developers are free to use hooks to detect such use of a mouse, no.

[Skelly]

As far as I understand it, you can get a patent on something unintuitive and new. For instance, apple has (had?) a patent for pinch to zoom. Key combinations are definitely intuitive.

[Deleted]

Americans and their copyright needs..

Why would you want to copyright something like a gesture ;_;

Mod Warning: There's no need to bring country bashing into this. Plus, if you bother to check the information under the OP's avatar, they are from Canada.

[Deleted]

I'd like to copywright the human body.

[Deleted]

Yes, but it needs to be a specific gesture that performs a specific function/command. It may also require a defined environment as well (only applies to a frame inside a frame, or something similar). Also keep in mind that if its been done before - the patent will likely be invalid.