Is it legal to quote from the Microsoft Reference Source or from reflected BCL code?

Question

I've noticed that some questions here on StackOverflow (example) are answered by quoting either

• some part of the .net Reference Code or
• some decompiled parts of the .net base class library (using Reflector).

On one hand, the MS Reference Source License does not allow redistribution of the code "outside your company", and I'm pretty sure that the .net Framework license agreement does not allow reverse engineering. On the other hand, (a) the US copyright seems to be restricted by some "fair use" clauses, and (b) I don't see why Microsoft should object to answers like the example posted above.

My question is: Is there some definite information on this subject (e.g. an official Microsoft statement, a court ruling, a paragraph in copyright law that clarifies this issue, etc.)? Or is everyone just hoping that nothing will happen?

_{Fine print: (1) The question not only applies to StackOverflow but also to blog entries, newsgroup postings, print media etc., which is why I'm posting it here instead of at meta. (2) I'm just asking out of curiosity, which is why I'm posting this question here instead of consulting a lawyer. (3) I know that the answer depends on which country you are in, but since Microsoft is a US company, I guess US law is the most relevant to this issue.}

Answer 1

This is going to depend on your location and the laws there, as well as the laws of the US.

Check out the following:

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/906746/is-it-legal-to-use-reflector-to-analyze-binaries-when-the-owner-forbids-a-viewing

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/378498/can-i-reflector-the-net-base-class-libraries-bcl

Edit:

From a Microsoft EULA point of view, it is not legal to user Reflector on their libraries (dlls). Some have said that the EULA is by itself illegal (and unenforceable), but that is something that might be up for debate.

From my personal point of view, I try not to ever user Reflector for things (just in case).