The Value of Your Code
Custom Shopify development represents real investment:
- Theme customizations - Custom features and functionality
- Liquid templates - Unique layouts and components
- JavaScript code - Interactive features and integrations
- CSS styling - Brand-specific design implementation
When competitors copy your code, they skip the work and expense.
How Code Gets Stolen
Browser Developer Tools
The primary method:
- Right-click → Inspect Element
- View full HTML structure
- See all CSS styles
- Access JavaScript files
View Source
Direct access to:
- Raw HTML output
- Linked CSS files
- Script references
- Page structure
Theme Extraction Tools
Specialized tools that:
- Download entire themes
- Extract all assets
- Package for reuse
- Available online
Manual Copying
Copy-paste of:
- Specific code snippets
- CSS rules
- JavaScript functions
- HTML structures
Content Protection Features
SecurEcommerce protects code through multiple methods:
Disable Right-Click
Prevent context menu access:
- No “Inspect Element”
- No “View Page Source”
- No “Save As”
- Blocks casual copying
Block Developer Tools
Prevent DevTools access:
- Disable F12 key
- Block Ctrl+Shift+I / Cmd+Opt+I
- Prevent Ctrl+Shift+J / Cmd+Opt+J
- Block DevTools shortcuts
Block View Source
Prevent source viewing:
- Disable Ctrl+U / Cmd+U
- No direct source access
- Adds friction to copying
Disable Text Selection
Prevent easy copying:
- No highlighting code
- No copy shortcuts
- CSS selection blocking
Implementation
Enable Code Protection
- Open SecurEcommerce
- Navigate to Content Protection
- Enable protection options:
- Disable right-click
- Disable developer tools
- Disable keyboard shortcuts
- Disable text selection (optional)
- Save settings
Recommended Settings
For most stores:
- ✅ Disable right-click
- ✅ Disable dev tools shortcuts
- ✅ Block view source
- ⚠️ Text selection - consider UX impact
What Protection Achieves
Stops Casual Copying
Most code theft is opportunistic:
- Competitors browsing your site
- Developers looking for ideas
- Quick copy attempts
Protection adds significant friction.
Signals Professionalism
Shows security awareness:
- Deters some attackers
- Indicates you value your work
- Professional appearance
Creates Evidence
If copying occurs anyway:
- Shows you took precautions
- May help in disputes
- Demonstrates intent to protect
Limitations
Be realistic about protection:
Determined Attackers
Can still access code via:
- Disabling JavaScript
- Using curl/wget
- Browser extensions
- Proxy tools
Public Nature of Web
Front-end code is inherently accessible:
- Browsers need to read it
- Complete protection impossible
- Focus on deterrence
Balance with UX
Too much protection may:
- Frustrate legitimate users
- Break accessibility features
- Impact mobile experience
Complementary Measures
Beyond content protection:
Documentation
- Keep records of your work
- Save development dates
- Document unique features
- Store original files
Legal Protection
- Terms of service
- Copyright notices
- Trademark registration
- Legal consultation
Clone Detection
- Monitor for copies
- Canary tokens in code
- Typosquat scanning
- Regular audits
If Code Is Copied
Immediate Steps
- Document the copying
- Screenshot evidence
- Note the domain/location
- Save copies of their site
Response Options
- DMCA takedown request
- Contact hosting provider
- Cease and desist letter
- Legal action if warranted