Explain SDX Alliance company case study

SDX Alliance is a large company that sells computers, computer components, and
software. Ralph is hired as an entry-level software engineer at SDX Alliance. His first
project was to assist in writing the code for SDX Alliance’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. Ralph quietly re-uses this
same code in the SDX Alliance 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 has to undergo a four-month long quality assurance
process review. During the review of the product, it was found the code which Ralph
developed had been copyrighted by the startup he had previously worked for. Even
though Ralph had developed the code, his previous company still owned the intellectual
property rights to it.
When his manager informed Ralph of the problem, Ralph admits he did not realize he
had made a mistake because he was not familiar with copyright laws. Ralph then goes
on to explain that the start-up he used to work for is now out of business and is unsure if
SDX Alliance would be able to get in contact with the owner of the copyright. If SDX
Alliance can’t use Ralph’s code, then it will have to rewrite the entire code of the product,
delaying its release by many months.

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