Protect my java application from being copied (only for one pc)

Question

How do I stop someone from copying the application i am making in java in an other pc ? i want to sell it only for one pc

I am not selling it on the internet , is there any way to do that by the disk SN or using USB Flash disk SN of the client as a key for the app ?

I am using mysql as back-end for my application and the platform is Windows.

Is there a way to provide this security ?

Answer 1

Assuming the PC is connected to the internet, you could read the PC MAC address when starting the application and send a request to your server to check if that MAC address is authorised.

But that means that every time the user changes his PC you need to update your records.

Answer 2

I reckon the only way you'll be able to achieve this level of control is if you move your application into a cloud-based service such as Amazon Web Services. That way, your clients have to subscribe to gain access to your application, and you can disable access if payment stops.