Review the following tips to learn how to acquire Adobe® Genuine Software.
General guidelines
Eliminate risk
- Always buy software from a reputable Adobe Authorized Reseller. When in doubt, contact piracy@adobe.com for guidance.
- If you receive an offer from a reseller and the name of the software or font doesn't sound right, visit Adobe.com for a comprehensive list of authentic Adobe software and font names.
- Ensure all new software comes with a license agreement, original disks, and authentic packaging. Keep the original receipt and invoice as proof of purchase.
- Always register your product.
- Don't buy software labeled "Education Version" or "Education" unless you are a faculty member or student of an accredited educational institution that has an agreement with Adobe. If you qualify for educational software, purchase it from an Adobe Authorized Education Reseller.
- Don't buy software labeled "For Bundles Only" without the appropriate hardware.
- Don't buy individual software titles that were originally bundled as part of a "Collection."
- Avoid compilations of multiple software titles from different publishers on a single disk or multiple Adobe software titles on a single disk. Check Adobe.com for titles on authentic Adobe collections, suite editions, or special bundles, or contact piracy@adobe.com for more information.
- Check the End-User License Agreement before making any purchase.
- Do not buy downloadable software from anywhere except the Adobe Store. This is the only authorized way to purchase Adobe software through download.
- Adobe does not and has not ever shipped its software on CD-R. If you are offered Adobe software on a CD-R, it is counterfeit.
- If the product has a self-adhesive label on the top face of the CD, it is not authentic.
- Be wary of phrases like "for backup purposes only," "cannot be registered," or "for educational purposes only."
- If the software has already been registered and the license holder cannot provide you with a transfer of ownership, the transfer is illegal, and you will not be able to legally use or register the software. Read more about how to legally transfer your software license.
- To verify the authenticity of serial numbers, or if you have any other questions or concerns, contact piracy@adobe.com.
A pirate will tell you anything it takes to sell you the illegal software. The best way to avoid pirated products is to purchase from authorized, reputable resellers. Find a list of Adobe Authorized Resellers.
If you believe your credit card information may have been compromised by a software pirate, visit the following U.S. government sites:
Parents and students
Adobe is aware that the retail prices of its professional software titles may not fit a limited student budget. Therefore, Adobe has created special programs to give students the ability to purchase full versions of its software at prices up to 80% off retail.
Programs exist for K–12 as well as higher education. Visit Adobe Education for more information about getting legitimate Adobe software at a great price.
Caution with auctions
Protect yourself from pirates
Auction sites can be fun, exciting sources for unusual and hard-to-find treasures. The vast majority of individuals who use online auctions are honest people conducting legitimate business. However, buying software from auction sites can be extremely risky. Here are some tips for purchasing Adobe Genuine Software from auction sites.
Trust your instincts. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Check the price from a reputable retailer. If there is a substantial difference, then there's a good chance the seller is trying to sell pirated software. That said, the safest way to protect yourself and ensure you're purchasing Adobe Genuine Software is through an Adobe Authorized Reseller.
Do your homework. Check the feedback section on the auction site to find comments about the seller based on their previous transactions. Look for a trust mark from a reputable organization, like BBBOnLine, which signifies the merchant has agreed to a code of business practices. Also, get the seller's address, phone number, or URL so you can check for a Reliability Report with the Better Business Bureau (go to www.bbb.org, find Check It Out box, click Business).
Beware of backups. Avoid purchasing software from a seller who offers "backup copies." Invariably this means you're not buying Adobe Genuine Software.
Download only from Adobe. The Adobe Store is the only place where Adobe Genuine Software can be downloaded on the Internet. All other retailers are required to ship physical media.
Make sure it's Adobe Genuine Software. Be suspicious of software products that don't come with some proof of authenticity. Examples of proof include original disks, manuals, licenses, and warranties. Adobe Genuine Software CDs have silk-screened artwork with corresponding trademarks, patent information, and part numbers. Adobe does not ship software on CD-R and never has. If the product has a self-adhesive label on the top face of the CD, it is not authentic. If you receive something that is not authentic, try to get your money back, and be sure to provide negative feedback on the seller.
Make sure it's transferable. If the software has already been registered and the license holder cannot provide you with a transfer of ownership, don't buy it. You will not be able to legally use or register it. Learn how to legally transfer an Adobe software license. After reading the license transfer information and contacting Adobe Customer Service, you can enter into a transfer of ownership by submitting this form.