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You need to consult a lawyer. Do not seek legal advice on HN.

Friend is based in asia, and does not have money to spend on US lawyers.

Find some lawyer over there which knows or specializes in this stuff?

In my country we have a Software Chamber of Commerce which I believe would help me, is there some organization your friend's company is a member of?

I know there are lawyers with American studies here in Uruguay, maybe there are some in your friend's Asian country.