A system for managing license files comprises a memory operable to store a socket module. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to receive a command to open a license file, wherein the command is associated with a first user identifier. The license file is stored in a first remote node and is associated with a second user identifier. If the second user identifier matches the first user identifier, the processor is further operable to use the socket module to establish a socket connection with the first remote node. The processor is further operable to, using the socket connection, retrieve from the first remote node a file descriptor associated with the license file. The processor is further operable to apply an update to the license file, wherein the update is addressed according to the file descriptor. If the second user identifier does not match the first user identifier, the processor is further operable to prevent the updating of the license file.