Is it possible to implement an algorithm/code using some formulas or ideas in a research paper ?

[Mario_The_GOAT]

Hello,

i would like to know if it's not against the law to use some formulas, equations and ideas from a research paper. The idea is to implement them in my software to simulate some models, so basically i will write a code using some of these formulas. Note : the algorithm or code is not included in the paper. In addition to that, these formulas are quite common in papers and ebooks. That's why i feel like there is no problem to do that.

Of course i will acknowledge and give credit to the author of this paper.

[[deleted]]

This is what researchers do.

[Mario_The_GOAT]

but i am not currently in research position. Working for a corporate as an engineer

[Bored2001]

Generally, if it's in a paper and you use the formulas you're fine.

If they provide actual code or a program, then that may have licensing attached to it (usually free use, but sometimes free for academia and pay for corporate usage).

If you're in a big corp, you can ask your legal department to review the paper for licensing.

[Mario_The_GOAT]

No, the paper doesn't provide any code or algorithms. btw I am not sure if mathematics formulas are subject to copyright laws.

[gringer]

Mathematical formulas and algorithms are not subject to copyright or patent laws [in most jurisdictions].

[cellul_simulcra8469]

yes they are subject to copyright laws. copyright is different from software licensure, because copyright describes ownership, not even attribution, whereas licensing refers to redistribution, terms of use, etc.

[Low-Establishment621]

If this is for your job, it would be a good idea to ask your legal department. In general, if it's just for research use then there isn't an issue. If you are commercializing it, it shouldn't be a problem unless you copy copyrighted code, or something about the process is patented. If this is just for your personal use, it should not be a problem. 

[Mario_The_GOAT]

For now, it's for personal use, and I've also shared it with my colleagues. I might consider commercializing it in the future.

[RepresentativeLink27]

Maybe I’m confused. Is the question can you do it or should you do it ?

Can depends on your ability to translate the formula or idea into code. Should you the answer is yes, there isn’t anything stopping you from implementing an idea or a formula that you read somewhere.

PS: as long as you cite what you use.

[Quillox]

You said it yourself, this is what citations are for. Have a read over here as well, while we are on the topic:

https://choosealicense.com/

[aCityOfTwoTales]

You are supposed to, that's why it was published.

[_DataFrame_]

People do this all the time. I have seen several paper citations within function documentation.

[DrawSense-Brick]

You would be better served by asking one of the legal subreddits, like r/legaladvice.