Adobe Licensing FAQs
What is a license?
Can I install the separate components of a suite on different machines?
Can I use my software on two computers?
Why can't I use my software on different platforms?
Once I've upgraded, can I use, sell, or transfer the previous versions of the software?
Who benefits from copyright law?
What exactly does the law say about copying software?
Do people actually go to jail for copyright infringement?
What is counterfeit software? How can I tell if it is counterfeit?
What do I get out of purchasing my own software?
What are the risks of buying or using pirated software?
How do I know if I am eligible to use the Education version of the software?
Who do I call to report that a company is improperly using Adobe software?
 
What is a license?
A license permits you to use software, content and services in accordance with certain terms and conditions set out in an End User License Agreement (EULA). A EULA is a legally binding document. Without entering into a EULA, you would not be able to legally use the software, content, or service.

When you purchase software you are buying the right, or getting a license, to use the software in accordance with the EULA.

The EULA explains exactly how you can use the software you purchase and identifies specific restrictions on your use of the software. If you break the terms of the EULA, you are subject to enforcement action and penalties.

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Can I install the separate components of a suite on different machines?
No. Product suites such as Studio and Creative Suites are sold and priced as a single product; you receive a substantial discount for purchasing one product suite rather than separate licenses to each of the component products. The EULA expressly states that all products included in a suite must be installed and used on the same machine.

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Can I use my software on two computers?
If you own, or are the primary user of, a single-user or volume license Adobe product that is installed on a computer at work, you can also install and use the software on one secondary computer of the same platform at home or on a portable computer. However, you may not run the software simultaneously on both the primary and secondary computers.

For more information regarding our activation policy, including recent changes, please see our Product Activation FAQ.

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Why can't I use my software on different platforms?
Adobe develops software for different platforms (such as Mac OS, Windows, Linux) and sells the software built for separate platforms as separate products. If you wish to use the products on different platforms, you must purchase a license of the software for each platform you will be using.

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Once I've upgraded, can I use, sell, or transfer the previous versions of the software?
No. Purchasing an upgrade to your product extends your existing license to cover the new version of our software; It does not provide you with two separate licenses for the old version and the new version. For example, if you upgrade from Adobe Acrobat 6 to Acrobat 7, you cannot sell Acrobat 6 to someone else.

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Who benefits from copyright law?
Everyone benefits. By protecting the investment of computer software companies in software development, copyright law encourages software companies to invest in coming up with new, creative, and innovative products. These companies dedicate large portions of their earnings to the creation of new software products, and need to gain a fair return on their investment if they are to continue the cycle. The creative teams who develop the software programmers, writers, graphic artists, and others can only receive fair compensation for their efforts if the software is commercially viable. Without the protection given by our copyright laws, they would be unable to produce the valuable programs that have become so important to our daily lives: educational software that teaches us much-needed skills; business software that allows us to save time, effort, and money; and entertainment and personal productivity software that enhances leisure time.

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What exactly does the law say about copying software?
The law says that anyone who purchases a copy of software must adhere to the conditions of the user agreement that the software publisher associates with it. Companies and individuals who use unauthorized software may face not only a civil suit for damages and other relief, but also criminal liability, including fines and jail terms.

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Do people actually go to jail for copyright infringement?
Yes, they do.

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What is counterfeit software? How can I tell if it is counterfeit?
Counterfeit software is hard-copy software that has been reproduced by someone other than an authorized distributor. It may look just like the real thing, but it is often pretty easy to identify as not the real McCoy. If you are offered extremely cheap software, look for some of these warning signs that you might be buying or receiving pirated products:

The software lacks proper documentation.
The manual is photocopied or missing.
The software does not look authentic. For example, the software, product packaging, or accompanying materials are of inferior quality or include handwritten labels.
The serial number/CD key is printed on the CD, sleeve, or jewel case.
One CD contains multiple applications (especially if they are from different companies).
The price of the software is far below retail price.

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What do I get out of purchasing my own software?
When you purchase authorized copies of software programs, you may receive user guides and tutorials, quick reference cards, the opportunity to purchase upgrades, and technical support from the software publishers. With authentic Adobe software, your programs are safe, stable, and backed by a partner you can trust. For most software programs, you can read about user benefits in the registration brochure or upgrade flyer in the product box.

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What are the risks of buying or using pirated software?
Buying and using pirated software is risky for corporate and individual users. Aside from the legal and ethical consequences of using software for which the developer does not receive compensation, your organization forfeits some practical benefits. Those who use pirated software:

Increase the chances of buying software that does not function correctly or may fail completely;
Forfeit access to customer support, upgrades, technical documentation, training, and bug Fixes;
Have no warranty to protect their investment;
Increase their risk of exposure to viruses, spyware, or adware that can destroy (or, worse, publish to criminals) valuable data;
May be subject to significant fines for copyright infringement;
Risk damage to their reputation and good name and, in the case of organizations, negative publicity that could cause irreparable harm to the business;

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How do I know if I am eligible to use the Education version of the software?
To see the requirements for purchasing Educational versions of Adobe software, visit the Adobe Education Store.

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Who do I call to report that a company is improperly using Adobe software?
Report violations of the EULA or any improper or unauthorized use of Adobe software to piracy@adobe.com. Adobe will use good faith efforts to maintain as confidential all personally identifiable information we collect from you.

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For more information about your licensing rights, give us a call at

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Enquiry email seaslt@adobe.com.


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