Can I buy a paid WordPress plugin, do a “reverse engineering” and rewrite it with a different code, but with similar functionality in the end, and sell a plugin of my own?
Can I buy a paid WordPress plugin, do a “reverse engineering” and rewrite it with a different code, but with similar functionality in the end, and sell a plugin of my own?
Can I buy a paid WordPress plugin, do a “reverse engineering” and rewrite it with a different code, but with similar functionality in the end, and sell a plugin of my own?
That plugin is GPL and your plugin will be GPL also, so as long as you properly attribute the original developer and their work you ought to be OK.
Then again, I am just a random internet stranger and not a lawyer… so be mindful of building your business on my opinions.
Exactly what has already been mentioned, plus you might want to also ask yourself why anyone would buy your version of the plugin that does the same as the (presumably) much more popular plugin.
Unless you’re adding something new/different/improved to the already existing plugin then why even bother?
Sure, reverse engineering it would be a good learning experience for how things are put together, and will help you improve, but from a business point of view it’s a pretty terrible idea in my opinion (not forgetting the need to get some sort of legal opinion on what you plan to do, to protect yourself).
Also look into what is included in the GPL side of things. There are many arguemnets to it. Some say that for WordPress, just the PHP code is GPL licensed, and other things such as assets (images, etc) can still be protected under copyright. Others say everything of the plugin is GPL.
I don’t know what the legal side of things are, and AFAIK no in court case has yet to be made either way legally, but something to consider.
Should be okay. That’s what make WordPress dynamic. The beauty of GPL. There are hundred of plugins that share the same functionality but different authors anyway. You need to ensure however that your plugin has something new or enhancement to offer. If you can improve it, the better.
That plugin is GPL and your plugin will be GPL also, so as long as you properly attribute the original developer and their work you ought to be OK.
Then again, I am just a random internet stranger and not a lawyer… so be mindful of building your business on my opinions.
Exactly what has already been mentioned, plus you might want to also ask yourself why anyone would buy your version of the plugin that does the same as the (presumably) much more popular plugin.
Unless you’re adding something new/different/improved to the already existing plugin then why even bother?
Sure, reverse engineering it would be a good learning experience for how things are put together, and will help you improve, but from a business point of view it’s a pretty terrible idea in my opinion (not forgetting the need to get some sort of legal opinion on what you plan to do, to protect yourself).
Also look into what is included in the GPL side of things. There are many arguemnets to it. Some say that for WordPress, just the PHP code is GPL licensed, and other things such as assets (images, etc) can still be protected under copyright. Others say everything of the plugin is GPL.
I don’t know what the legal side of things are, and AFAIK no in court case has yet to be made either way legally, but something to consider.
Should be okay. That’s what make WordPress dynamic. The beauty of GPL. There are hundred of plugins that share the same functionality but different authors anyway. You need to ensure however that your plugin has something new or enhancement to offer. If you can improve it, the better.