What if I write my client a website using LAMP. Suppose that clients starts selling my code to other people, can I perhaps do something about it because I have already asked them not to sell it more than once. This is because I am giving them the space to sell their website. But I don't want my code to be sold to too many people.As a web developer, I usually use OOP really well and so when my clients want websites, I usually use what I have. But what worries me is that a customer can go and sell my code for a cheaper price which in turn could run me out of business.This is a little complicating because I did sell them the website. But on the other hand, I have a copy of windows but I may not resell it. The problem is that unlike windows, php isn't compiled and thus they could make changes and sell it.My question is, can I take them to court over it?
Can I sell a php website on a condition that the code is not resold by the client?
php;web development;website design;clients
Generally when you write code or scripts for a client, you do so under an agreement. I would strongly advise consulting with an attorney before you dish out your software, so that you can agree with your client upon some terms -- distribution, usage, modification, resale, etc. -- and also terms for if the contract is breached. If your client DID follow your I don't want you to sell it more than once request, what is stopping the buyer from selling for his or her self?The second thing: you may consider looking into sites similar to ThemeForest, where they more securely sell copies of your site and give you about 70% commission.Another option is to 'obfuscate' the code, which can be done on both free and paid systems. This makes it extremely difficult for someone to decode your scripts. The more expensive the software, generally the more secure it is. One that I recommend is http://www.ioncube.com/ which is NOT free, but if you're worried about losing money for having unauthorized copies of your scripts sold, may be worth the investment.Directly addressing your question: no, you cannot take them to court over it unless you have all of the terms and conditions (license agreement/contract) in writing, preferably with written signatures and dates.