That's what the patent system is for. You patent something you're required to explain exactly how it works. In exchange you get exclusive use to that work for a

That's what the patent system is for. You patent something you're required to explain exactly how it works. In exchange you get exclusive use to that work for a period of time. I realize people don't give source code to the patent office, instead it's treated like copyright which I think is inappropriate (since source code is essentially a mathematical formula)