Tell HN: GitHub refuses to remove cracked copies of my software after a month

Article summary

The developer of Photopea, a web-based photo editor, reported cracked copies of their software on GitHub, but after a month, GitHub responded that they couldn't confirm a violation of US code. The developer is concerned about reputation damage and wants to be the sole source of the stable version of their program. The issue is complicated by the fact that the code is publicly available in the browser. The developer is considering seeking legal help to resolve the issue.

Main themes

• code copying and piracy
• copyright and trademark laws
• AI-generated code
• business models for developers
• reputation damage
• online intellectual property protection

What commenters say

• Copyright laws are not effective in preventing code copying and piracy.
• Using a trademark may help protect the brand name, but not the code itself.
• The ease of copying code and the rise of AI-generated code make it difficult for developers to protect their work.
• Some argue that copying code is not the same as stealing physical objects, as the original code still exists.
• Others believe that the business model of relying on closed-source code is no longer viable in the age of AI-generated code.
• Piracy will always exist, and developers should focus on finding alternative revenue streams, such as offering support or hosting services.
• The use of AI to generate code raises questions about the ownership and originality of the generated code.
• The lack of enforcement of copyright and trademark laws makes it difficult for individual developers to protect their work.