I'm working with hardware from a company that is very serious about intellectual property protection. There are over 2,000 patents filed on the technology this hardware enables.
The hardware is intended to be used with software made by the same company. It is also highly protected by patents/copyright etc.
I am currently working with an open-source software that can be compiled in such a way as to work with this very closed-source hardware.
What legal rights might this company have to restrict me from developing my project? Note: I am not profiting from it, but would be interested in hearing how/if that might affect the legality.
My gut feeling is that, for example, my laptop might be made with closed-source hardware and run patented software, but I could still use it like a frisbee if I choose without risking infringement. Isn't this the same situation?
Thanks for any thoughts!