ionCube License Management: Domain, IP, and Time Locking

ionCube includes built-in license management features that let you control where and when your encoded files can run. This guide covers all options.

License Management Overview

ionCube's license system lets you:

• Lock files to specific domains
• Restrict to specific IP addresses
• Set expiration dates
• Bind to server hardware (MAC address)
• Create custom license conditions

Domain Locking

How It Works

Domain locking restricts execution to specific domain names:

• File only runs when accessed via the registered domain
• Prevents unauthorized copying to other sites
• Supports multiple domains per license

Use Cases

• Per-domain licensing for commercial software
• Preventing piracy of premium plugins
• Enforcing development vs production restrictions

Setting Up Domain Locking

In the ionCube Encoder:

1. Go to License Settings
2. Enter the allowed domain(s)
3. Generate the encoded file with domain restrictions

IP Address Locking

How It Works

Files are restricted to specific server IP addresses:

• Only the server with the matching IP can run the files
• Moving to a new server requires a new license

Use Cases

• VPS/dedicated server licensing
• Enterprise deployments with fixed IPs
• Development environment restrictions

Time-Limited Licenses

How It Works

Encoded files stop working after a specified date:

• Trial versions
• Subscription-based licensing
• Demo installations

Use Cases

• 30-day trials
• Annual license renewals
• Time-limited beta access

MAC Address Locking

How It Works

Files are bound to the server's network interface MAC address:

• Most restrictive licensing option
• Prevents moving files between servers
• Hardware-level enforcement

Use Cases

• High-value enterprise software
• Single-server licenses
• Maximum piracy prevention

Custom License Conditions

ionCube allows custom license logic:

• Database-driven license checks
• API-based validation
• Custom field matching
• License server integration

License Server Integration

You can run your own license server that validates installations:

1. Encoded file calls your license API
2. Your server validates the request
3. Returns allow/deny
4. File executes or terminates

Managing Licenses for Your Customers

Generating License Files

The ionCube Encoder generates .lic files that contain license properties:

; License file generated by ionCube Encoder
[config]
domain = "customer-site.com"
ip = "192.168.1.100"
expire = "2026-12-31"

Distributing Licenses

• Send .lic file to the customer
• Customer places it alongside encoded files
• ionCube Loader validates the license on each request

What Happens When a License Expires

When a time-limited license expires:

1. The ionCube Loader detects the expiration
2. The script terminates with a fatal error
3. The site goes offline
4. The customer must renew their license

Bypassing License Checks

Some users attempt to bypass license checks by:

• Modifying the license file
• Removing the license check code
• Using patched Loaders

Important: If you encode your own software and need to recover access (lost license server, expired license on your own product), you can decode your files to remove all license restrictions.

License Management Best Practices

1. Use domain locking for most commercial software
2. Set reasonable expiration dates for subscriptions
3. Keep a license server for high-value products
4. Document your licensing model for customers
5. Provide clear renewal processes

Conclusion

ionCube's license management provides comprehensive tools for controlling your software distribution. From domain locking to hardware binding, you can protect your intellectual property effectively.

If you've lost access to your own licensed software, decode your files to recover full source code access.