reverse engineering
reverse-engineering, n. Intellectual property. The process of discovering how an invention works by inspecting and studying it, esp. by taking it apart in order to learn how it works and how to copy it and improve it. • Reverse-engineering is a proper means of discovering trade secrets, according to the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, and is a defense against a suit for misappropriation of trade secrets. But it is not a defense in a suit for patent infringement. — reverse-engineer, vb.