Analysis of what ABC Co. should do in this situation ABC Co is a large company that sells computers, computer components, and software. Ron is hired as an entry-level software engineer at ABC Co. His first project was to assist in writing the code for ABC Co. ’s new hard disc controller. He had previously worked on a similar system interning at a start-up and had written a code which greatly enhanced the performance of their product. Ron quietly re-uses this same code in the ABC Co. product, and does not think to tell anyone that he has used the code from his last job. His manager is thrilled with the speed improvements this code brings to the product. Before the product is released, it must undergo a four-month long quality assurance process review. During the review of the product, it was found the code which Ron developed had been copyrighted by the start-up he had previously worked for. Even though Ron had developed the code, his previous company still owned the intellectual property rights to it. When his manager informed Ron of the problem, Ron admits he did not realize he had made a mistake because he was not familiar with copyright laws. Ron then goes on to explain that the start-up he used to work for is now out of business and is unsure if ABC Co. would be able to get in contact with the owner of the copyright. If ABC Co. can’t use Ron’s code, then it will have to rewrite the entire code of the product, delaying its release by many months. What should they do? Write a analysis of what ABC Co. should do in this situation
Analysis of what ABC Co. should do in this situation
ABC Co is a large company that sells computers, computer components, and software. Ron is hired as an entry-level software engineer at ABC Co. His first project was to assist in writing the code for ABC Co. ’s new hard disc controller. He had previously worked on a similar system interning at a start-up and had written a code which greatly enhanced the performance of their product. Ron quietly re-uses this same code in the ABC Co. product, and does not think to tell anyone that he has used the code from his last job. His manager is thrilled with the speed improvements this code brings to the product.
Before the product is released, it must undergo a four-month long quality assurance process review. During the review of the product, it was found the code which Ron developed had been copyrighted by the start-up he had previously worked for. Even though Ron had developed the code, his previous company still owned the intellectual property rights to it.
When his manager informed Ron of the problem, Ron admits he did not realize he had made a mistake because he was not familiar with copyright laws. Ron then goes on to explain that the start-up he used to work for is now out of business and is unsure if ABC Co. would be able to get in contact with the owner of the copyright. If ABC Co. can’t use Ron’s code, then it will have to rewrite the entire code of the product, delaying its release by many months.
What should they do?
Write a analysis of what ABC Co. should do in this situation
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