licensing open source php script

Hi all

I have a problem that is bugging me for a long time.

I am selling a php script and I am forced to encrypt it just to prevent the users from removing my license checking code or the calls to it.

my question here is there any possible solution to solve this problem. (selling my software as opensourced while still able prevent unauthorized users from using my script)

I know it seems impossible but it seems VBulletin has done it

the question is how and is there any service that can do this to my code

thanks

 

Paid Solution: Zend guard, IonCube... You may try these..

 

it os ok with me if the solution was paid but these solutions encrypt my source code
I want a solution that will keep my source code open for my clients to edit and tweak while on the same time allow me to force them to pay monthly subscription for the script

Thanks

 

It's impossible, as soon as you give them access to the code, they can remove any protection.

You mention vBulletin, they're in a continual battle against this.

As you'll can note, vbteam.info there are sites located in countries where copyright infringement laws do not apply and therefore there is nothing the author can do.

What vBulletin does is supply a form for people to alert the company of illegal usages of their software.

vBulletin will then contact the hosting provider and notify them of the copyright infringement and hope the host will remove the site.
I think they send a DMCA or something.

But what you're after doesn't exist, it's always a battle and not one you can always win.

 

Thanks Matty

Your answer was really helpful
I wish one day someone will find a solution to this puzzle

For now I will encode my code untill I am big enough like jelsoft where I can employ similar startegy as them

 

define some encrypted parts which will check existence of what you required for example you want to make sure that user do not remove the defined copyright note in footer
define it in language files create and encrypt a script
encrypted script

 if(set($defination["copyright_exisits"])) { header("location: copyright_removed.php"); exit(); } <! this is example idea -> 

PHP:

call it somewhere you want to check

 

Hi MrPJH

I am not sure I understood you correctly

even if I encrypt some checks, the user can easily remove the call even if it was encrypted

but this will make it at least harder for less experienced user to remove the check

Thanks

 

to get a more clear idea download a free wordpress template and look how they configured
free template provider usually use base64 encoding any one can break them however you can use any other best way like ioncube etc
combine it with some necessary part of your script like crone jobs or make it double check
like one line will check if this encrypted line exists if exists execute it if not redirect to somewhere else

 

thanks MrPJH

I think I have to go with your way although I was hoping to find a product that can do it for me automatically

So there is no escape from working on the problem by my hand