My PHP script is finished . how do I prevent copies?

[turbohost]

Hi guys,

Finally, after a few weeks working all-nighters (I have a day job) my website written in PHP is finished. It's a niche website with an admin section and it's very easy to use for building your own niche website. My intention was to sell the script and hey, I already sold one copy but what do I see ... this ass.ipe is selling my script. How can I prevent my script from being copied? I can think of some ways to make it more difficult to prevent illegal copies but how do I prevent an illegal installation from my script? Please help ...

Turbo

[bcolflesh]

It's too late for you now - but Google:

"php encoder"

and you'll find some binary compilation solutions.

[henry0]

You could use a license token
just make the default setting: disabled.
(until the correct key is in)
CubeCart does something similar to allow removing of ad and copyrights.

[netchicken1]

I would be curious as to how they would access your scripts to start off.

Sure they are on the website, but the actual name of a php file isn't immediatly apparent from the html if they are on seperate files.

[Habtom]

I would be curious as to how they would access your scripts to start off.

Isn't he selling the whole copy?

[inbound]

I'd stop selling for now if you have still only sold one copy and consult a good IP lawyer, whilst there is only one copy out there you know who is selling it.

I'd stop them from selling it and then modify the code & protect it so you can then sell it safely (or as safely as possible).

What do your terms state? I'd try to retrieve the situation if you can before worrying about more sales.

[joelgreen]

As previously stated you have to use some php encoder (Ex. Zend, IonCube, SourceGuardian,...).
Encoders will convert php source code into hard-to-hack binary code (in order to avoid source code changes).
You will also be able to tie sold scripts to some ip or domain. Script will not work on another domain.

Note: decoder will have to be installed on target server in order to run encoded scripts. Decoders are usually free.