BLOG POST: Reverse engineering
In this class we have mentioned that reverse engineering helps (1) technology producers (like open source software programmers) who want to design products that compete with something that already exists and (2) hackers, pirates, and others find ways to defeat copy-protection systems in media products like DVDs. Samuelson & Scotchmer note that intellectual property rules are important to protect incentives to innovate (p. 6). In section (VI)(A) starting on p. 68 of the PDF file, they advance five ways to regulate reverse engineering.
If you ruled the world, what law would you write to regulate reverse engineering? Focus only on one short example, but be sure to mention the consequences might result from it. For example, if you choose that all reverse engineering should be legal, you should mention both the potential benefits and harms that might result. You can use the article's proposals or suggest your own.
It may help to refer to the examples of reverse engineering in the article, or to the BnetD example portrayed in news stories. Post an answer in your blog that is at least 200 words. DEADLINE: 1 p.m. -- one hour before class begins.