There's a Taiwan case that held that the literal circuit layout *may* be protected but (effectively) not the netlist (and in this case it wasn't a 1:1 copy, so was deemed not infringing):
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=ecbb24af-4a0a-4971-9022-2edfeac253eb
You may find similar opinions elsewhere. As far as I know it is very well established that mere netlists are not copyrightable. Look into guitar pedals and other audio equipment for many examples of people copying each other with impunity. Direct copying of a PCB layout 1:1 is more contested, but easily avoidable in practice by just doing your own layout with the same netlist.
Hector Martin /
npub1qk…9azpx
2024-07-28 15:50:02
in reply to nevent1q…gfwy
Author Public Key
npub1qk9x6yrvten3jqyvundn7exggm90fxf9yfarj5eaz25yd7aty8hqe9azpxPublished at
2024-07-28 15:50:02Event JSON
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