Is it legal??
Hashim (meshmesh) <hashimfrdyahoocom> Wednesday, September 1 2010 10:37.23 CDT


I have one windows core executable file reversed, is it legal to publish the source code???

Any legal issues??

Comments
GynvaelColdwind Posted: Wednesday, September 1 2010 16:43.41 CDT
Depends on the country. It is best to consult a lawyer in your country.
Probably there are several vectors here, like the local copyright law, windows license, etc.

Also, history does know some cases, when an individual was halted in a country which he visited (yep, that's right, I'm looking at USA) due to breaking the law of that country by doing something in his country and publishing it on the Internet. So you should probably keep that in mind.

I think the case is much simpler if you are not publishing source code, but, e.g. a paper documenting on how does the code actually work (see: clean room technique).

Summary: consult a local lawyer :)

convik Posted: Saturday, September 4 2010 14:05.40 CDT
I'm assuming that you are not a native US citizen. However, if you are an immigrant:

Check out the DMCA. They have a list of reasons that you are legally allowed to reverse for. For instance, if it is a purely academic endeavor done to improve the product you may "legally" reverse it. You may also reverse it for regulation purposes.

Other countries have different rules. I think the EU has their own sets of rules on reversing. The general rule of thumb is that if you reverse something to interpolate it with another self-written program, it *should* be ok. Don't take me on that as fact though.

RabidCicada Posted: Friday, September 17 2010 08:44.32 CDT
I shot a guy in the head.  Is it legal?

Self Defense-->yes

For the hell of it-->no

Same logic applies to your question...the law.  Read up if you don't want to risk it:)