Methods for detecting plagiarism in software code implementing a design pattern

Methods and instructions embodied in non-transitory media for the detection of plagiarism in software code implementing a design pattern are described. Steps involved may include receiving input comprising the software code at least one design pattern implemented in the software code, identifying at least one function call to a function in a class implementing the design pattern in the software code, and creating a representation of the called function in the class containing the function call, wherein the function call and the function to which it corresponds is characteristic of the design pattern; and where the created representation implements program logic associated with at least one function implementing the design pattern, including the called function. The function call may be replaced with the representation of the called function. Additionally, the modified code may then be compared with one or more target files.