Question

Why do individuals/firms reverse engineering? What is the legal interpretation on reverse engineering?

Answer 1

Manufacturers worldwide have developed millions of computer devices and parts in the last 120 years. Because of continuing technological developments, none of these products remained significant after their initial release for more than several years. Numerous old parts used in computers, however, have stood the test of time. If the part fails or completely breaks down you replace the piece, not the entire system. Such sections may be substituted by a method known as reverse engineering. Reverse engineering, sometimes called back engineering, is a process of deconstruction of software, machines, aircraft, architectural structures, and other products to extract design information from them. Reverse engineering often involves the deconstruction of single components of larger products. The method of reverse engineering helps you to decide how a component has been built so you can replicate it. Companies also use that strategy when buying an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement component is not an option.

Industries also use reverse engineering on old parts, such as obsolete printed circuit boards ( PCBs) and connecting cards. The goods in question would also come from suppliers that have since gone out of business. If the manufacturer is still in business they may not be selling the product any more. For the sake of continuity the companies also reverse engineer old electronics.

The law usually permits the reverse engineering of manufactured goods. Although reverse engineering can be performed for several purposes, reverse engineering for the purpose of producing a competitive product is because in this industrial context this is the most economically important justification for reverse engineering. A right to reverse engineer is usually sound from an economic point of view, as the innovator is nonetheless secured in two ways: by the lead-time it receives and by the costliness of reverse engineering.