Copy-protection block might be okay. It would make designs less vulnerable of copying and modifications, but still could be worked around by destroying the block. Rpg-wise it would simulate efforts to patent/protect digital rights, but pirate modifications, cheap-ass shipyards etc. could still work around it, something I expect from fictional Starmade universe.
Core-checkboxes are fairly tight form of copy-protection and would require actual game hacking to breach, and although I personally don't feel like I want such ship designs as much, it's probably fairly easy to hack the designs anyway. I wouldn't prefer any sort of tight DRM-option.
Now, I see great potential in design and manufacturing industries in Starmade, even so that people would use ingame resources to ensure that certain designs arent manufactured by people who dont pay. It's a whole reason for faction war, but I feel like it's not something so solve by tight DRM, while some form of ingame copy-protections could actually increase ways on how to enjoy this game, and I do understand the disappointment some people get when they see their designs used against them. It can feel unfair, and that's something that most games should try to avoid.