Re: Licensing model for CGIs using IP addres

All I can say is that no matter what you do, the licensing can be nulled out completely and the script run normally. Once a determined person gets rid of your so called "encryption" (most likely you meant "code obscuring"), all it takes to bypass the license is to replace whatever line looks like if ($should_be_license eq $real_license) {} with a if (1) {} or something similar. As far as I can see, there is no way to write a script that enforces licenses. The best you can do is pull together some fancy legal team that will go after any person(s) who use the licensed program after the license expires. Or do it the smart way and 'sell' the code (as in, they own their copy, no expiration). Even then, you may want a legal team that will chase after those who break a written 'license'-type contract. (ie: "This contract permits the purchased software to be installed on no more than 3 computers... etc etc").

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Re: Licensing model for CGIs using IP addres by Abigail-II (Bishop) on Apr 21, 2004 at 09:31 UTC
All I can say is that no matter what you do, the licensing can be nulled out completely and the script run normally. While that's true, it doesn't mean that putting in some enforcement is meaningless. A determined person will be able to break into your house as well - all they need to do is break a window, drill out the lock, pick the lock, etc. However, entering your house by breaking the protection is in most countries a more severe crime than opening an unlocked door and entering the house. If something gets stolen, your insurance company might not pay if you didn't use locks. If your program makes some attempt to enforce a license, it takes a conscious action to bypass it, and someone breaking it can't plead innocense. They also might lose their right to support if they modify the program in any way (yeah, I know, it's hard to find out whether they did). It raises the bar. Abigail	[reply]

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Re: Licensing model for CGIs using IP addres
by Abigail-II (Bishop) on Apr 21, 2004 at 09:31 UTC

All I can say is that no matter what you do, the licensing can be nulled out completely and the script run normally.

If your program makes some attempt to enforce a license, it takes a conscious action to bypass it, and someone breaking it can't plead innocense. They also might lose their right to support if they modify the program in any way (yeah, I know, it's hard to find out whether they did). It raises the bar.

Abigail

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