Before copying or reverse engineering a functional product or process analyze each of the issues below. It is best to consult an experienced patent attorney during this analysis.

I. Is there a Contract Preventing the Use of the Information, or from Competing?

Check agreements into which you, your company, employees, or contractors may have entered for any contractual restriction, such as a restriction on the disclosure or use of the information you plan to use to copy or reverse engineer, or a non-compete provision. If there is a binding contractual restriction, abide by it.