Frequently threads pop up that imply some form or another of reverse engineering.

Since I once were exposed to do that "with a lawyer holding my hand" I shall state the rules as they were conveyed to me.

1) If you have seen any documentation beyond the user manual it will be illegal for you to reverse engineer the product whether you use the documentation or not.
2) If anything (such as the code memory) contain the word 'copyright' you are to leave it alone. Also, no 'intrusive probing' is allowed. This, basically, means do not in any way read the code memory.
3) If anything require a key normally provided to service personnel only, you are not to open it.
4) If you have access, you may put a scope or meter on a wire, but you may not trace that wire (would imply an attempt to copy the schematic).

That is what I remember from that (successful) exercise.

A word to the wise, Do not try to reverse engineer anything, it is MUCH easier to start from scratch.

Erik