Because, from the former employer perspective, there's no reason to say "yes", and every reason to say "no". There's nothing to gain by saying "yes". So this et

Because, from the former employer perspective, there's no reason to say "yes", and every reason to say "no". There's nothing to gain by saying "yes". So this ethical argument about politely asking for a blessing is, IMHO, severely discouraged if you consider an incentives perspective. He runs the risk of having his project "shut down" or discouraged immediately not for "legal/ethical" reasons, but just by this company protecting IP/future interests, which are not shared with the developer. Again, IMHO: talk to a lawyer and check risks, don't reuse code or assets, and don't disclose to former company OR colleagues you're pursuing this idea.