Share Code Safely: Protecting Your Intellectual Property

TL;DR

Yes, you can share source code and still protect it from unauthorized use. This guide explains methods like licensing, watermarking, obfuscation, access control, and using platforms designed for secure collaboration.

Protecting Your Source Code: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose a Suitable License
• A license defines how others can use your code. Common options include:
  • MIT License: Very permissive, allowing almost any use with attribution.
  • Apache 2.0 License: Similar to MIT but includes a patent grant.
  • GNU General Public License (GPL): Requires derivative works to also be open-source.
  • Proprietary License: You retain all rights and specify usage terms in a custom agreement.
• Clearly state the license in your project’s README file.
2. Implement Code Watermarking
• Watermarks embed unique identifiers into your code to trace its origin if it’s copied illegally.
• This can be done manually (difficult and error-prone) or with tools.
• Example using a simple comment watermark:

  // Copyright [Your Name/Company] - Unique ID: ABC123XYZ

3. Obfuscate Your Code
• Obfuscation makes the code harder to understand, deterring reverse engineering.
• It doesn’t prevent copying but raises the effort required to use it without permission.
• Tools exist for many languages (e.g., ProGuard for Java/Android).

  proguard -jar proguard-cli.jar your_code.jar

4. Control Access with Version Control
• Use platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket.
• Set appropriate permissions:
  • Private Repositories: Only authorized users can access the code.
  • Collaborators: Grant specific levels of access (read-only, write).
5. Utilize Secure Collaboration Platforms
• Some platforms offer features specifically for protecting intellectual property:
  • Sourcegraph: Code search and intelligence with access controls.
  • CodeSandbox: Cloud-based IDEs with collaboration features and security options.
6. Digital Rights Management (DRM) – Use with Caution
• DRM technologies can restrict code execution or usage, but they are complex to implement and often have limitations.
• Consider the trade-offs between security and usability.
7. Regular Code Audits
• Periodically review your codebase for potential vulnerabilities or unauthorized modifications.
• Use automated scanning tools to help identify issues.
8. Legal Agreements & Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
• When sharing code with external parties, have them sign an NDA to protect your confidential information.
• Consult a legal professional for tailored agreements.