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    All I'd add is that if there's no licence on the original code, you have no rights with respect to it. This means you lack the right to create derivative works - so you shouldn't be writing updates in the first place, and the situation should never arise. Ask for the licence to be clarified, then modify the code. Commented Sep 1, 2024 at 5:54
  • @MadHatter Don't you only lack the right to distribute/publish your derivative work? Modifying the original source-available code privately should not pose a problem. Commented Sep 1, 2024 at 14:26
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    @Bergi No, one of the rights granted by Berne convention copyright is the right to control the making of derivative works ("adaptations and arrangements"). You may never get found out, if you don't publish it, but you're still not allowed to do it. Commented Sep 1, 2024 at 14:38