Abstract
This paper presents a method for a decentralised peer-to-peer software license validation system using cryptocurrency blockchain technology to ameliorate software piracy, and to provide a mechanism for software developers to protect copyrighted works. Protecting software copyright has been an issue since the late 1970s and software license validation has been a primary method employed in an attempt to minimise software piracy and protect software copyright. The method described creates an ecosystem in which the rights and privileges of participants are observed.
Highlights
This paper seeks to resolve a long held issue that software developers experience, that of loss of copyright protection due to piracy
Software piracy has been an issue since the mid-1970s and the advent of personal computers that enabled the redistribution of precompiled software by publishers
Changes in Software License Validation (SLV) technology have effectively led to a situation where publishers are constantly challenged to alter the technology to stay lightly ahead of adversaries
Summary
This paper seeks to resolve a long held issue that software developers experience, that of loss of copyright protection due to piracy. Control of copyrighted software may employ printed key codes provided to activate software (such as on software packaging), online license validation [1], and various hardware devices [2] such as dongles. Smaller publishers may use activation keys, whereas large publishing houses such as Microsoft and Adobe use Software License Validation (SLV) services that are often developed in-house and delivered through the Internet. The task of validating and managing acceptable software use is made increasingly difficult and costly for all parties. As it becomes more difficult to manage valid software licensing, so it becomes more difficult to prevent those who would circumvent licensing systems, for example for piracy, or to get around overly complex licensing programmes [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
