What is the best way to stop an application being copied and used without the owner’s permission?

Question

What is the best way to avoid that an application is copied and used without the owner’s knowing?

Is there any way to trace the usage? Meaning periodically the application communicates back, with enough information so that we can know where it is, and if it’s legal. Next thing, of course, shut it down, if it’s not legit.

Answer 1

Software that "phones home" will be quickly shunned by the vast majority of your users. Just license it appropriately and sell it.

People who use your software professionally will either pay for it or they won't use it. Corporations tend to frown on potential lawsuits.

People who want to use your software without paying for it will continue to do so despite your best efforts to counteract them. Once the software is in their hands, it is out of yours. Without pissing off your users, your only recourse is a legal one.

If your product is priced reasonably, some people will pay for it and some won't. That is just something you need to deal with upfront and it should be factored into your business plan.

Answer 2

Don't do this, don't attempt it, don't even think about it.

This is a battle you can't win. If people want to pirate your software they will. You'll be shamed by the fact that a smart reverse engineer can write a one byte binary patch to subvert all your protection schemes.

The people who are going to pirate your software will do so and all these "security features" you build in will likely end up only inconveniencing your true supporters: the people who have legitimately purchased your software. These draconian DRM / anti-piracy schemes only build resentment among software users.