Reverse engineering
To take apart a device, system, program, etc. in order to learn how it works
Not considered unethical or illegal unless the knowledge gained is used to produce substantially equivalent items for profit motives
Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984
- Chip designs can be registered with the Copyright Office
- Protected for period of 10 years from date of registration or date of commercial availability whichever is latest
- Permits reverse engineering to understand the layout