How to prove the theft of the source code?

Question

Backup

There is an online software store (php and js). There is one product in php and there is a second one - almost a copy. With one BUT - the second one has the names of variables and functions replaced in the code, but the logic is preserved and slightly added (at least).
How is theft proven?

Answer 1

No way. And in general, the experience with Oracle vs Google does not teach anyone anything. In general, the code should be open source. It is not the code that earns, business processes, that is, sales, earn.
But in general, purely theoretically, if the code was on the balance sheet (it’s possible, although it’s not convenient ... it’s not very convenient), then it is possible to prove the theft, albeit incredibly difficult, especially in this country. If all the names of functions and variables are changed, but the logic is preserved, then purely theoretically, it is possible to prove the theft with a change in the structure of the program using technical means (before that, you will have to prove the possibility of such a change with the help of technical means), but the hemorrhoids are thousands of times more. But if there were changes in the logic, then this is no longer an option. Finally, if the thief is an idiot and, having stolen the code, uploaded it to svn or git, and then me, then purely theoretically, you can try to open a case and seize the equipment before clearing the evidence.
But all this is purely theoretical and in practice will face the incompetence of judges and juries (who, in theory, should take advice on such cases, but you understand), as well as the sheer stupidity of this undertaking. It's better to use opensource and share it yourself.

Answer 2

If the original code is at least without a patent or somewhere (Olympiads, exhibitions) did not shine, there is practically no chance.
You can not prove in any way where the original is where the copy is.

Answer 3

I have an opportunity.
1. It is necessary to prove that you are the copyright holder of the original code. If there is no patent, this is proved by the fact that you published it somewhere first (posted on the site, for example).
2. An examination is ordered, which checks the code for borrowing. If there are such (algorithms match - you have a chance. If the names of functions / variables were not even redone, it would be generally easy)