Copying code directly without permission is a copyright violation.
Mimicking a patented process is also grounds for a lawsuit.
That said, you can make products that have similar functions so long as you aren’t copying too closely. For example, Lemmy vs. Reddit. Both are social media platforms allowing posting and up/downvoting. But the nuts and bolts are significantly different.
Mimicking a patented process is also grounds for a lawsuit.
Just note that at lest within EU, pure software patents are illegals. It’s still a bit tricky because you want to sell globally (including places with software patent) and that it’s possible to patent device/process using software. So, to my understanding you can’t patent let’s say A game where you build a maze and put tower to defend-it, and use XP to make your tower bigger, but you can’t patent let’s say a device using sensor, servo an algorithm to let a car drive itself.
Copying code directly without permission is a copyright violation.
Mimicking a patented process is also grounds for a lawsuit.
That said, you can make products that have similar functions so long as you aren’t copying too closely. For example, Lemmy vs. Reddit. Both are social media platforms allowing posting and up/downvoting. But the nuts and bolts are significantly different.
Just note that at lest within EU, pure software patents are illegals. It’s still a bit tricky because you want to sell globally (including places with software patent) and that it’s possible to patent device/process using software. So, to my understanding you can’t patent let’s say A game where you build a maze and put tower to defend-it, and use XP to make your tower bigger, but you can’t patent let’s say a device using sensor, servo an algorithm to let a car drive itself.